Safe to give COVID jab to those on blood thinners: ICMR

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 28

The ICMR on Thursday has said it is safe to give COVID vaccines to the elderly and other people on blood thinners, and confirmed that there is no risk per se.

ICMR chief Balram Bhargava said both Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech had written to the Drug Controller General of India for permission to alter their current fact sheets which ask the elderly and others on blood thinners to avoid the COVID vaccines.

“The companies have sought permission of the drug controller and the nod is expected soon. Accordingly, the fact sheets will be changed,” Bhargava said.

He said there were two types of blood thinners.

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“There is absolutely no issue in administering the COVID vaccine to the elderly or others on anti-platelets like aspirin. The second category of blood thinners are the anti coagulants where there is a mild issue of local hematoma or swelling developing after the jab is given. This can be resolved by stopping the administration of anti coagulants about two days prior to the COVID vaccine,” Bhargava said.

The fact sheets of both COVAXIN and Covishield currently mention that those on blood thinners should avoid COVID jabs.