The Union Health Ministry, in a press briefing, said that the Covid-19 vaccines developed in India and approved for emergency use authorisation are safe to use. There are no risks and minor side effects. Health Ministry Secretary Rajesh Bhushan further said that these vaccines are affordable ahead of the mass vaccination that will begin from 16 January. "Both the vaccines have been authorised for emergency use and there should be no doubt about their safety. They have been tested on thousands of people and side-effects are negligible. There is no risk of any significance," he added.