Facts about COVID VACCINATION DRIVE 2021
Apr 19, 2022
Facts about VACCINATION DRIVE 2021
With the start of the second phase of COVID-19 vaccination from March 1, 2021, it is time to discuss the indications and contradictions regarding the same. The COVID-19 vaccination was first rolled out in India in mid-January this year. The Covid vaccination drive rolled out in January covered health care workers and other front-line workers. Before the vaccination arrived, everyone was hoping that end of COVID was near but when it finally arrived the response to it was meek. Even in the health care sector, the rate of vaccinated staff was less than expected, especially in North India.
Now in the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, people above 60 years of age and persons between 45 & 59 years of age with specified comorbid conditions will be covered. Generally, two shots of the COVID vaccine in a dose of 0.5ml are given 4-6 weeks apart. The vaccine is a preventive measure to fight COVID-19 together with the precautions like wearing a mask, using sanitizers, and maintaining social distancing.
Minor Side-effects of Vaccination
The COVID-19 vaccine has few side effects but not everyone necessarily has them. Some common side effects after getting vaccinated are myalgia, headache, local pain at the injection site, acute febrile illness (lasting for a day or two) which generally subside with conservative supportive treatment. The side effects are usually felt 7-8 hours after getting vaccinated but are not harmful. It is best to eat a healthy diet and seek medical guidance in case of any doubt. For people who have had serious health issues, getting vaccinated or not should be decided by the consultant.
Things To Remember
The vaccine is contraindicated for persons with a history of allergic reactions to a previous dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, pregnant and lactating mothers, patients with any history of bleeding or clotting disorders. The efficacy of the vaccine varies between 55-88%. After the complete close of vaccination, anti-bodies develop between 2-3 weeks. Even after vaccination, the patient can still get infected but the chances of getting a severe disease are less. To conclude, universal precautions of hand hygiene and wearing masks cannot be replaced even now. At Paras Hospitals, Panchkula we have trained staff that is helping vaccinate the people. The vaccination drive is on and we urge people to get themselves vaccinated to help fight this pandemic.