In a significant address to the public, top medical authorities in Lucknow have strongly refuted widespread misinformation surrounding Covid-19 vaccines, affirming their safety and efficacy. The clarifications came during the 'Icons of Health' program, organized by The Times of India and Navbharat Times on Monday.
Debunking Myths with Scientific Facts
Former professor of surgery at KGMU, Dr. Sandeep Kumar, explained that many fears stem from cognitive biases rather than scientific reality. He highlighted that medical science recognizes 64 types of bias, with recall and diagnostic bias often leading people to incorrectly connect recent medical events like vaccinations with subsequent health problems.
"When people experience a health issue after a CT scan or a vaccine, they often attribute it to that recent event, even when no causal link exists," Dr. Kumar stated, emphasizing the need for evidence-based understanding.
No Evidence Linking Vaccines to Serious Conditions
Addressing specific concerns, experts provided clear rebuttals. On the alleged rise in heart attacks, Dr. Kumar clarified, "We detect more cases today because tests and screening have increased. There is no evidence that Covid vaccines raised heart attack or stroke rates."
Regarding women's health concerns, Prof. Sujata Deo from the obstetrics and gynaecology department at KGMU confirmed that no scientific study has established links between Covid vaccination and menstrual changes, pain, or preterm deliveries.
Vaccine Benefits Far Outweigh Minimal Risks
Prof. S.K. Singh, director of RMLIMS and a principal investigator for Covaxin, shared findings from population-based studies that tracked vaccine impact over a year. "The research found only minor side effects from vaccination," he revealed.
In a crucial comparison, Prof. Singh highlighted that Covid infection itself sharply increases the risk of heart attacks, blood clotting, and lung complications, while vaccines effectively prevented moderate and severe Covid cases, thereby avoiding numerous deaths.
The doctors identified lifestyle diseases as the real growing threat, driven by sedentary habits, unhealthy diets, obesity, and stress. Dr. Raj Gopal of Chandan Hospital expressed concern that misinformation spread through platforms like WhatsApp has become more harmful than medical bias, as people often trust unverified forwards over scientific data.
