Fact-sheets of Covaxin and Covishield are soon going to be revised to allow individuals on blood thinners such as aspirin and clopidogrel to receive the vaccines. People taking anticoagulants may also take the vaccine with certain precautions, says the Indian Council of Medical Research director general Dr Balram Bhargava.

At present, the fact-sheets of the vaccines state the use of blood thinners as a contraindication. Additionally, Dr Bhargava stated that Covaxins response to the UK strain appears to be as effective as that against the virus seen in India.

People on blood thinners may experience a swelling at the injection site. Dr Bhargava added that anti-platelet agents like aspirin or clopidogrel do not pose a problem. However, for those taking anticoagulants like heparin, there may be a tendency to bleed. There may be a risk of a local hematoma, which is a relative contraindication… (ET Healthworld – TNN, January 29, 2021)