Karnataka saw 75 deaths following COVID vaccination: Centre in LS

Mysuru: Karnataka has reported 75 deaths following COVID-19 vaccination till March 15, 2023, according to a reply provided by the Union government in the Lok Sabha last week.

The state also witnessed 6,628 Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), following COVID vaccination, the Union ministry of health and family welfare said in reply to a question by Kuruva Gorantla Madhav, a YSR Congress MP from Andhra Pradesh.

The MP had sought details of the state-wise number of AEFI, including minor, severe and serious cases and the number of AEFI-related deaths. In his reply, the minister of state for health and family welfare Bharati Pravin Pawar said AEFI cases of COVID vaccines are reported and monitored through a well-structured and robust AEFI surveillance system under the Universal Immunisation Program.

For the reporting of COVID vaccination-related AEFIs, the SAFEVAC (a web-based application for AEFI) is integrated into Co-Win and reporting of AEFIs is done through the Co-Win SAFEVAC. The app has the provision of reporting AEFIs by the vaccinator, district immunization officer and the beneficiary themselves.

According to the written reply, a total of 1,156 deaths following vaccination have been reported in the country. Kerala reported the highest deaths at 244. Maharashtra (102), Uttar Pradesh (86) and Madhya Pradesh (85) are the other states that reported more deaths than Karnataka.

Asked about the particulars of the AEFI cases, health commissioner D Randeep said he has sought details from the officials in the health department.

Replying to a question raised by Rajya Sabha member from the state, Lahar Singh Siroya, the minister said a total of 9.8 core doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been supplied free of cost to Karnataka. The estimated cost of procurement of the doses supplied for free to the state is Rs 2,141 crore.