Just one out of 2,000 beneficiaries report minor effects post vaccination against COVID-19, the Centre on 16 February said, noting that the rate of adverse event following immunisation has been recorded at 0.05 percent.

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Dispelling rumours, the NITI Aayog member (Health) said the vaccination will not impact fertility in any manner. "The AEFI is 0.05 percent, it is 1 in 2000 there is slight pain or fever. Spreading rumours like it will impact fertility are not true. The vaccines are eminently safe. I will appeal anganwadi workers and nurses to get vaccinated," he said.

The ICMR Director General further added that those taking aspirin and blood thinner can also be given these vaccines. "There is no contraindication," he said. The NITI Aayog member (Health) further said 24 countries have been sent vaccinations from India. He urged people to maintain vigil and keep following COVID appropriate behaviour. "70 percent Indian population is still vulnerable. Vigil to contain this virus must continue. We still don't fully understand the virus so we have to be serious about vaccination and COVID-19's appropriate behaviour," he said.