<p>Karnataka would not recommend a second dose for three of 12 AEFI cases, who had neurological effects post-Covid-19 vaccination, said the immunisation officials. The state had, so far, recorded 15 serious adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs), including three deaths.</p>.<p>In Dharwad, one patient had slurred speech and right hemiparesis (weakness and paralysis of half of the body). Similarly, a patient in Shivamogga developed a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system. The third AEFI with neurological effects was reported in Kalaburagi, where the patient had five episodes of convulsions minutes after vaccination. Immunisation officials said the state would not recommend a second dose in such cases. </p>.<p>“Persons with anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose cannot be given the second vaccine dose. This is a contraindication,” said Dr Lokesh Alahari, the WHO consultant who is part of the National Polio Surveillance Project in the state. He was speaking at a state media workshop on Covid vaccines.</p>.<p>However, only after two weeks post the second dose can the individual expect to develop immunogenicity.</p>.<p>On the sidelines of the event, an immunisation official told <em>DH</em>, “The state will not recommend a second dose in Dharwad, Shivamogga and Kalaburagi cases. After suffering serious effects like temporary partial paralysis, slurred speech, convulsions, seizures and GB syndrome, I don’t think they will come forward for a second dose even if offered. The state will soon deliberate on whether it is vaccine product-related.”</p>.<p>Dr Rajani Nageshrao, Deputy Director, Immunisation, Health department, said, “Kerala has also reported neurological consequences similar to those reported from Karnataka’s Shivamogga (GB syndrome) and Dharwad (partial paralysis). Discussion has happened at the national level. We are waiting for outcome.”</p>
<p>Karnataka would not recommend a second dose for three of 12 AEFI cases, who had neurological effects post-Covid-19 vaccination, said the immunisation officials. The state had, so far, recorded 15 serious adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs), including three deaths.</p>.<p>In Dharwad, one patient had slurred speech and right hemiparesis (weakness and paralysis of half of the body). Similarly, a patient in Shivamogga developed a disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy nerve cells in the peripheral nervous system. The third AEFI with neurological effects was reported in Kalaburagi, where the patient had five episodes of convulsions minutes after vaccination. Immunisation officials said the state would not recommend a second dose in such cases. </p>.<p>“Persons with anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose cannot be given the second vaccine dose. This is a contraindication,” said Dr Lokesh Alahari, the WHO consultant who is part of the National Polio Surveillance Project in the state. He was speaking at a state media workshop on Covid vaccines.</p>.<p>However, only after two weeks post the second dose can the individual expect to develop immunogenicity.</p>.<p>On the sidelines of the event, an immunisation official told <em>DH</em>, “The state will not recommend a second dose in Dharwad, Shivamogga and Kalaburagi cases. After suffering serious effects like temporary partial paralysis, slurred speech, convulsions, seizures and GB syndrome, I don’t think they will come forward for a second dose even if offered. The state will soon deliberate on whether it is vaccine product-related.”</p>.<p>Dr Rajani Nageshrao, Deputy Director, Immunisation, Health department, said, “Kerala has also reported neurological consequences similar to those reported from Karnataka’s Shivamogga (GB syndrome) and Dharwad (partial paralysis). Discussion has happened at the national level. We are waiting for outcome.”</p>
