Three vaccines have been approved by the DGCI — Covishield, COVAXIN, and Sputnik V. With the government aiming to vaccinate 516 million people by end of July, these three vaccines are being produced extensively to be able to vaccinate India against COVID-19.
Covishield Vaccine:
COVAXIN
Sputnik V
(What to expect after vaccination and side effects will remain the same)
Over the past quarter, India has seen a dip in the number of new cases per day. On January 24, 2021, India recorded 13,203 new cases. This is significantly low compared to our highest record of 97,894 new cases in September. This reduction of active COVID-19 cases signifies that we are on the verge of flattening our curve.
This is our shot. Let’s make it count.
While the COVID-19 vaccination is safe, as with any other vaccine, you might undergo some side effects. These are quite normal and are signs that your body ramping up its immune system.
Side effects:
AEFI(Adverse Event Following Immunisation) refers to an abnormal medical occurrence following vaccination. These could be:
Minor AEFI: Common self-limiting reactions.
Eg: Pain and swelling at injection site, fever, tiredness and so on.
Severe AEFI: Disabling reactions but seldom critical. They do not lead to long-term problems.
Eg: High fever (>102 degrees, non-hospitalized cases of anaphylaxis) and more.
Serious AEFI: Rare occurrences. These are reactions that require inpatient hospitalization.
As per the Government's recent announcement, individuals above 18 years of age can register themselves on the COWIN app and get vaccinated at a government approved vaccination centre. Kauvery Hospital is a mandated vaccination centre offering all 3 vaccinations - COVISHIELD, COVAXIN and Sputnik V.
Vaccines save lives. They build a person’s natural immune system to fight off specific illnesses, and stay protected.
Over the last few decades, owing to vaccines for illnesses like smallpox or polio, children and adults alike have enjoyed safer and longer lives. Even the mortality rate in India with over one billion people, has improved greatly.
Vaccines help build antibodies in our immune system, strengthening our immunity. Once vaccinated, a person who comes in contact with a positive case, would stay protected.
Thanks to the relentless efforts of the scientific community in India and abroad, a vaccine will be the fastest and most impactful way to combat COVID-19 in the present situation.
A person will receive the vaccine in 2 doses. Based on regulations from the government and the pharmaceutical company, the duration between the 2 doses will be declared.
The price will be fixed by the Government of India once it is launched. Kauvery Hospital, as always will ensure the vaccine is accessible and affordable for all.
People of all ages can safely take the vaccine. However, high-risk patients need to consult their doctor before taking the vaccine.
People who might be severely allergic to specific ingredients in the vaccine would have to seek their doctor’s advise, to avoid a reaction.
Currently, the vaccines have been tested on people who have volunteered for the same. Given the exclusive nature of the trials - elderly with health issues, children or pregnant women, the research is not yet 100% conclusive. This indicates that as of now, the given vaccine may be more suitable for some, and less for others.
According to the data, since each individual constitution is unique, the efficacy and side effects may vary mildly. Nevertheless, until now, the outcomes are positive, therefore, the approval by the Government of India.
The flu vaccine will not protect a person from COVID-19. In case a person has taken a flu vaccine a few days earlier, they should wait for at least a week before taking the COVID vaccine.
If a person is unwell - any kind of fever, headaches, cough or cold they should be in self-isolation. In case they are home quarantined, waiting for test results, a vaccine should be taken only after they test negative.