Kin of 2 girls in Madhya Pradesh say they died after Covid vaccination; probe on

UJJAIN/INDORE: Family members of two 16-year-old girls in Madhya Pradesh's Ujjain and Khargone have alleged that they died after Covid vaccination. The government is investigating both deaths and has sent their viscera for lab tests.
In both cases, deaths occurred more than 24 hours after vaccination.
State immunisation officer Dr Santosh Shukla told TOI, "Adverse reaction after immunisation can occur between 30 minutes and six hours after vaccination in case of Covid vaccines.There is no chance of AEFI leading to death 48 hours after inoculation, as in the case of the girl in Ujjain."
In 90% AEFI cases, symptoms begin to show in 30 minutes, said Dr Shukla, adding that autopsy reports and a thorough check of medical records will reveal what happened.
The Ujjain girl took the Covid vaccine in school in Bisan Kheda village on January 5, her parents say. She fell unconscious on the road a day later and was taken to a local hospital, from where she was referred to Ujjain and died in the night during treatment.
A medical panel was formed for the autopsy following her family's allegations, Ujjain chief medical and health officer Dr Sanjay Sharma told TOI. They conducted the post-mortem on Friday. "Samples, including blood and viscera, have been sent to different labs to ascertain cause of death. The reports are awaited," he said.
The Khargone girl had taken her vaccine at school in Karhi area on January 3. She complained of stomach ache, fever and weakness on January 5 night, said an official communique from DPR.
She was admitted to a private hospital from where she was referred to Badwah, but died on the way.
The matter came to the fore through media reports and a team of doctors and revenue officers was set up to gather details, the press release said.
Dr Sanjay Bhatt said the girl had "anxiety issues". "Covaxin is completely safe. Children should have breakfast before taking the vaccine to avoid any AEFI," said the press release. The Ujjain girl's family members staged a protest at the district hospital after her death on Thursday night. Tarana Congress MLA Mahesh Parmar went there and demanded a probe.