Unveiling vaccine safety: a narrative review of pharmacovigilance in India's COVID-19 vaccination

Abstract

In India, a robust vaccine pharmacovigilance system is essential to the effective implementation of COVID-19 immunization programs, ensuring the safety and efficacy of the administered vaccines. The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 and the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India have played vital roles in monitoring and analyzing adverse events following immunization (AEFI). These tools have made it easier to gather, assess, and report information about different adverse drug reactions connected to COVID-19 vaccines. However, there are several issues with India's vaccination pharmacovigilance, including underreporting and sluggish data gathering. To improve the efficiency of the pharmacovigilance system, it is crucial to address these issues and encourage active reporting by healthcare professionals and the general public. This insightful review article serves as a critical resource for shedding light on India's vaccine pharmacovigilance efforts throughout the COVID-19 vaccination drive. It also elucidates how these efforts are pivotal in bolstering public confidence in vaccines. The comprehensive coverage of reported AEFI not only showcases the commitment to vaccine safety but also helps healthcare professionals and policymakers make informed decisions to enhance the overall vaccination program.