Survey: Post Covid vaccination complications low in Himachal

A recent survey conducted by Dr Sanjay Aggarwal, a Solan-based surgeon, analysed post-Covid vaccination complications among 1,000 families during the pandemic. His findings reveal a low incidence of severe complications in the hill populations, though complications were more evident in people at the extremes of age, those with debilitating illnesses and those with metabolic conditions.

According to Dr Aggarwal, only a few vaccinated individuals experienced mild to moderate chest pain three to four weeks post-vaccination. This symptom was commonly ignored by many but prompted others to seek medical advice, likely indicating myocarditis—an inflammation of the heart muscle—that eventually resolved on its own. In addition to myocarditis, a minimal percentage of individuals experienced other serious complications. Those affected were often individuals with preexisting conditions that might have exacerbated the symptoms.

“Complications following Covid vaccination typically surfaced within a few weeks of receiving the shot,” Dr Aggarwal noted, adding that these complications led to a loss of work hours and significant mental distress. However, given the urgency to vaccinate the public, many mild symptoms were either overlooked by patients or not thoroughly examined by medical professionals to avoid creating doubts about vaccination.

Dr Aggarwal’s survey recorded rare instances of other complications, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome—a neurological condition that affects various nerve areas, cerebral vascular thrombosis—a blood clot in brain vessels, and mild complications in the lungs, liver, and intestines. However, he observed that these adverse effects were relatively uncommon within this regional population.

“While immediate protection against Covid-19 was necessary during the pandemic, the long-term effects of the vaccines still warrant further investigation,” Dr Aggarwal emphasised. He acknowledged that vaccines saved countless lives when Covid-19 was rampant, crediting the research teams and pharmaceutical companies that expedited vaccine development. The pressing need for vaccination led to rapid testing and authorisation, allowing various vaccines to be distributed worldwide as quickly as possible.

Dr Aggarwal also highlighted the challenges posed by public skepticism. He explained that, compared to children, adult populations are often more hesitant to accept vaccines, driven by fears of potential complications. Nonetheless, herd immunity achieved through widespread vaccination proved crucial in controlling the spread of the virus globally.

Supporting Dr Aggarwal’s findings, Dr Savita, a general physician, noted that pre-Covid incidences of neuropathy and myocarditis were far lower compared to the similar symptoms seen post-Covid vaccination. She mentioned that while complications were slightly more frequent in vaccinated individuals, women generally appeared to have fewer post-vaccination issues. The survey highlighted that long-term complications could arise several years after vaccination, though their probability remains uncertain. Both Dr. Aggarwal and Dr. Savita underscored the significant impact of vaccination in combating COVID-19, commending the government and medical community’s role in averting countless fatalities despite adverse conditions.

In Himachal, a notable number of residents have opted to forgo Covid-19 booster shots, reportedly due to concerns over potential complications. However, Dr. Aggarwal reaffirmed that vaccination remains vital to pandemic management, adding that while complications exist, they remain relatively low in this region.

Key findings

• Low incidence of severe complications in hill populations
• Complications more common in:
• Extremes of age
• Debilitating illnesses
• Metabolic conditions
• Mild to moderate chest pain (myocarditis) reported in few cases
• Rare instances of:
• Guillain-Barré syndrome
• Cerebral vascular thrombosis
• Lung, liver & intestine complications