Covid-19 Vaccine-A Physician in the Misery

 “31 December 2019 – A novel corona virus eventually identified”-World Health Organization.

Never knew that this news will shake the Earth with its pernicious power. No way knew that this globe will be enclosed in fear and tear. Not once expected that our loved ones will disappear. Never knew that our beloveds will panic us being near.

It is beyond a year since the corona virus has held us captive. Long time ago, we walked freely on the footpath holding our loved one’s hand. Months ago, we dined with our family in our favorite restaurant. Since all this time we did not have the slightest of hope of our survival. A year has passed by with us drowning in apprehension.

The novel corona virus has curbed human activities. It would have been incredibly difficult with the natural immunity of the human beings to fight against it. Resulting in extreme mortality. COVID-19 vaccination is a stage out of this pandemic.

Finally, all these worries have come to a conclusion, with the arrival of the COVID-19 vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccination program throughout the globe infuses a sense of relief. But the celebration can began only after the whole population is vaccinated.

The major drawback of the success of the COVID-19 vaccine is the massive negative public opinion. Though some still fear the COVID-19 vaccine, its high time we say goodbye to those worries. And make ourselves aware of the wellness of it. Here are a few concepts and information that would put your confusion away.

Mechanism of Vaccine

Vaccines work to develop our immunity against a particular virus. They use the mechanism of ‘memory’. After vaccination, the body is left with a memory of the virus and helps our body to develop a defense mechanism. The B and T- lymphocytes which are white blood cells that produce antibodies, remember the process to destroy the virus.

Hence when an individual encounters the actual virus, the lymphocytes use their memory to destroy it. Thereby protecting our body from any further damage.

Further a person will not get covid-19 when injected with the covid-19 vaccine. As they contain only materials from the viral cell. That instructs our body to create a unique protein against the virus. Once copies of the protein is made by our body, it destroys the genetic material in the vaccine.

Which Covid-19 vaccine is appropriate for me?

The best Covid-19 vaccine is the one which is easily available to you.  All vaccines help in building up your immunity. The vaccines which are currently approved are all safe and effective. So kindly get vaccinated with any vaccine at the earliest.

What are all the Covid-19 vaccines available?

Currently in India, Covishield and Covaxin are the two vaccines, commonly given to the citizens against the novel virus.

The Hyderabad-centered Bharat Biotech International Ltd created the Covaxin. In organization with the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology. Two doses are given with an interval of 4 to 6 weeks.

Oxford-AstraZeneca developed Covishield, which is being manufactured by the Serum Institute of India (SII). Covishield also comprises of two doses, each administered after an interval of 12 to 16 weeks.

Other vaccines include Sputnik-V developed by the Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Russia. And Pfizer developed by an American corporation called Pfizer in New York and BioNTech, a German biotechnology company based in Mainz, Germany.

Who can get the vaccine?

Anyone above the age of 18 years can get their dose with Covishield or Covaxin. The frontline workers and doctors must get their shots first. It is of great importance that we all come forward to take our doses at the earliest. A person is considered completely vaccinated after two weeks of their second dose.

A person’s overall health conditions also affect the effectiveness of the vaccine. This may also include previous ailments. It is not suitable for a person with severe allergic reactions to any component of the vaccine. Hence before getting your dose consult your family doctor or a local doctor.

The COVID-19 vaccine currently given in India or not recommended for pregnant women. According to World Health Organization lactating mothers can get their vaccination dose and continue breast-feeding.

Person infected with Covid-19 can get their dose after 3 months as their immunity against the virus persists during this period.

Vaccination is not obligatory; it is a voluntary process. To stop the spread of the virus and to reduce the risk of death. Once fully vaccinated, you can recommence all the works performed before the pandemic in relief.

Symptoms caused via vaccine:

Common symptoms observed after vaccination include mild fever and body ache that persists for 2 -3 days. In addition, other side effects may include pain and redness on the arm, where you got your shot. These consequences are sign that your body is developing defense.

If the redness or swelling exceeds 24 hours after vaccination, consult your local doctor.

Home remedies for vaccine symptoms

• Compress a clean cold cloth over the injection area to reduce ache.
• Do mild exercises for your arm to reduce stiffness.
• Drink loads of water to stop dehydration.
• Wear light weight clothes to reduce overheating.

Common misconceptions to avoid:

1. Receiving Covid19 vaccine causes the Covid-19 infection – FALSE.

Covid-19 vaccine does not cause Covid-19. As it contains only a material {m-RNA or messenger RNA} from the virus that does not induce infection. In other words, it only equips the body to fight it.

2. An already infected person need not take the vaccine – FALSE.

Experts suggest that the Covid-19 vaccine benefits all. As after recovery, no studies provide indication that they build lifelong immunity.

3. Women while menstruating shall not take the vaccine – FALSE.

No scientific evidence proves this statement. Vaccination during periods is completely safe and without any harm to the immunity. As our menstrual cycle is not under any influence by the vaccine.

4. The vaccine will alter our DNA – FALSE.

The m-RNA from the vaccine enters our cell but not the nucleus of the cell and hence will not alter it.

5. We should not consume non veg after vaccination.- False

One need not change their dietary routine post vaccination. As vaccination does not interfere with your digestive activities. Hence, continue your everyday routine.

6. Masks are unnecessary after vaccination.

It is advisable to wear our masks and follow social distancing even after vaccination. Because a large population haven’t got their vaccine. As a result follow covid-19 protocol until a large population of the country have taken their vaccine and built their immunity.

When Covid-19 prevalence level lowers the need for mask will also.

With the epitome of the viral infections, it is best to take your shot as soon as possible. As to resume your pre-pandemic joy and to live your lives peaceably. It is time we step forward and take our doses to protect ourselves and our beloveds. Therefore, let us not take another chance to lose our loved ones.

Get your vaccine, get your protection!