Saptaparna Dasgupta, Bennett University
The COVID-19 vaccine has been created as an emergency vaccine, based on several strategies, such as mRNA vaccine, inactivated virus vaccine, etc. The other vaccines having cleared the clinical trials have passed on to the mass population vaccination drives, without any reported risk factors, yet. However, Johnson and Johnson’s COVID 19 vaccines have potentially turned into a disaster in terms of causing a neurological disorder, known as Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS).
Risks associated with J&J COVID-19 vaccine
Recently, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reviewed the hospital reports of the patients with Guillain-Barre Syndrome, which had developed after taking the first shot of Johnson and Johnson’s COVID 19 vaccines. It was also observed that out of the 100 reported patients, almost all of them had to be hospitalized and one of the patients died. However, after inquiring it was observed that the vaccine was entirely not responsible for the syndrome.
Fig 1. Side effects caused by Johnson and Johnson’s COVID 19 vaccines, first dose. Future modifications include, that one must report to the hospital, if any of the symptoms occur, including experiencing tingling sensations, trouble in walking, double vision, difficulty in speaking, chewing, or swallowing, impotence in eye movement, loss of the function of bladder and bowel, etc.( Credits: BioRender.com)
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
Guillain-Barre Syndrome causes weakening of the muscles and sometimes temporary paralysis. This happens when the immune system targets certain of its nerve cells. The CDC estimates that between 3,000 and 6,000 persons each year acquire this condition. Approximately 13 million of the Americans who got the J&J vaccine shot, out of which approximately a little portion of people suffered the syndrome. The majority of the reported cases were reported amongst the men, usually above the age of 50, after about 2 weeks of vaccination. This syndrome could also be triggered via several other viruses such as flu, cytomegalovirus, and Zika virus.
J&J COVID-19 vaccine vs. Pfizer and Moderna
In a discussion with the J&J COVID-19 vaccine, it was observed that J&J company has been reviewing the reports with FDA and other health regulatory departments throughout the world. In conjunction with it, a statement was made by the government, wherein it stated that the other vaccines in the US, made by Pfizer and Moderna, caused no risks or side effects. Also, according to the records, more than 320 million doses had been given out to residents of the US.
Steps were taken by FDA for betterment.
It was ordered by FDA that people receiving the J&J shot, shall receive pamphlets that provide information regarding the symptoms, post-vaccination to the people. The symptoms include experiencing tingling sensations, trouble in walking, double vision, difficulty in speaking, chewing, or swallowing, impotence in eye movement, loss of the function of bladder and bowel, etc. All the people experiencing these symptoms are urged to report to the hospital immediately and seek prioritized care.
Future aspects of J&J COVID-19 vaccine in India
Currently, Dr VK Paul, a health member of NITI Aayog, has stated that India is close to starting the production of the J&J single-dose COVID-19 vaccine. The J&J vaccine in India shall be called Janssen, and shall be produced by Hyderabad’s Bio E.
Also read: How real are the dangers of waking a sleepwalker?
Source:
- Iyer, A. (2021, July 13). India’s factories have a tough time with virus playing havoc. Mint. https://www.livemint.com/market/mark-to-market/indias-factories-have-a-tough-time-with-virus-playing-havoc-11626155471149.html
- AP. (2021, July 13). FDA adds warning of rare neurological reaction to J&J Covid-19 vaccine. Business Standard India. https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/fda-adds-warning-of-rare-reaction-risk-to-j-j-covid-vaccine-121071300071_1.html
- PTI. (n.d.). J&J Covid vaccine raises risk of rare neurological disorder, warns FDA. @businessline. Retrieved 13 July 2021, from https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/jj-covid-vaccine-raises-risk-of-rare-neurological-disorder-warns-fda/article35293109.ece
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About the Author: Saptaparna Dasgupta, currently a B. Tech 3rd year student, pursuing Biotechnology, is a diligent student and determined in terms of her career goals. Being a budding biotechnologist, she is open to all research fields of her course and passionate about knowledge. She is focused and constantly tries to improve her writing skills, also a project enthusiast and is fond of gaining hands-on experience in laboratories. Being a Bengal resident, she believes that all hard work and efforts pays off eventually and follows this as the motto of her life.
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