No Need for Paracetamol After Covaxin Covid-19 Vaccine, Says Expert

The Government of India's Ministry of Home and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has revised vaccination guidelines stating that beneficiaries in the 15-18 years of age would only be administered Covaxin. This has led to some confusion about the requirement to take paracetamol or any painkiller to ease side-effects after vaccination. However, experts have clarified that there is no need for any medicine after the Covid jab. Vaccine manufacturer Bharat Biotech stated that no paracetamol or painkillers are recommended after being vaccinated with Covaxin.

Key Takeaways:

According to the manufacturer, Bharat Biotech, in its clinical trials spanning 30,000 individuals, approximately 10-20 per cent of individuals reported side-effects, which are mostly mild and resolve within 1-2 days without medication.
Experts maintain that experiencing mild fever, chills, headache, or fatigue after the dose of Covid-19 vaccine means that the immune system is beginning to kick in effectively, and painkillers should be avoided to ensure the "strongest possible immune response."
Dr. Col Vijay Dutta, senior consultant, Internal Medicine, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, stated that any medication, post-vaccination, is not recommended as it has the "potential to cause hepatotoxicity" (liver damage caused by drug exposure).
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends not taking painkillers before receiving the Covid-19 vaccine to prevent side-effects, as it's not known how painkillers may affect how well the vaccine works.

Statistics:

Approximately 10-20 per cent of individuals reported side-effects in Bharat Biotech's clinical trials spanning 30,000 individuals.
10-20 per cent of children developed side effects during Clinical trials.

Sources:

Bharat Biotech (@BharatBiotech) on Twitter, January 5, 2022
Ministry of Home and Family Welfare (MoHFW) revised vaccination guidelines
World Health Organization (WHO) website
Elemental journal, February 8, 2021 article