In my everyday practice, I come across many myths about COVID 19 vaccination. Here I try and dispel some of them and answer a few frequently asked questions about the COVID 19 vaccination.
Is the COVID 19 vaccine effective, should I take it?
All COVID-19 vaccines currently available have been shown to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a COVID-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill even if you do get COVID-19. More studies about the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on severity of illness from COVID-19, are being carried out.
Vaccination is voluntary but as a lung specialist, I strongly suggest you take it.
How will the vaccine protect me?
COVID-19 vaccination works by developing memory cells in our body against the virus and teaching our immune system how to recognize and fight the virus that causes COVID-19. Although most people with COVID 19 only have a mild illness, there are others who may develop severe illness and have long term complications. There is no way to know how COVID-19 will affect you, even if you don’t have an increased risk of developing severe complications.
Getting vaccinated will protect people around you, especially those with increased risk of serious illness from COVID 19. Vaccines will be the way forward in dealing with the pandemic.
I already suffered from COVID 19. Do I still need the vaccine?
Currently it is not known for how long the immunity from COVID 19 lasts. Some early evidence suggests natural immunity may not last very long. COVID 19 can have serious health risks associated with it and although not very common but re-infection with COVID-19 is possible, and so vaccine should be taken by you regardless of whether you already had COVID -19 infection.
We won’t know how long immunity produced by vaccination lasts until we have more data on how well the vaccines world but natural and acquired immunity both play an important role in preventing against the disease.
Who is eligible to take the vaccine?
At present the healthcare workers are being vaccinated. In the next phase, people more than 50 years of age and those with underlying medical conditions (History of chronic diseases and comorbidities -cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, metabolic, renal, malignancies) will be vaccinated. Talk to your doctor and know more about which vaccine you can take.
What are the side effects of COVID 19 vaccine?
Like any vaccination, you may have some side effects with this vaccine. The most common side effect is pain and swelling at the site of injection. You may also experience, fever, chills, headache, tiredness or flu like symptoms. These will go away in a day or two in most cases and can easily be managed with paracetamol. In extremely rare cases a person may develop a severe allergic reaction but this will be managed by your doctor at the vaccination site itself.
Will children be vaccinated?
At present the vaccines which have been developed have only been studied in adults more than 18 years of age, therefore it is not advisable for children. In the near future we may see newer vaccines for children which are in the pipeline.
I am pregnant/ lactating or planning to conceive, can I be vaccinated?
According to the government guidelines, pregnant and lactating women have not been part of any COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial so far. Therefore, women who are pregnant or not sure of the pregnancy, and lactating women should not receive COVID-19 vaccine at this time.
When should I avoid taking the vaccine?
If you are acutely ill or hospitalized, suffering from active COVID 19, received plasma therapy for COVID 19 recently you should defer the vaccine by 4-8 weeks’ time.
If you have suffered a severe allergic reaction to any vaccine in the past, you should not take the COVID 19 vaccine.
If you are on blood thinners, have a history of bleeding or coagulation disorder you should consult your doctor before taking the vaccine.
If you are immunocompromised or are on medicines to reduce your immunity it is better to consult your doctor before taking the vaccine.
Can I take the COVID 19 vaccine with another vaccine?
It is not advisable to take another vaccine with COVID 19 vaccine. You should keep a gap of at least 14 days between the two.
How many doses of the vaccine is required?
You will require 2 doses of the vaccine taken at least 4 weeks apart, for the vaccine to be effective. Remember to take the same vaccine the second time. The immunity and protection will take about 2-4 weeks after the second dose to develop. Therefore, carry on with social distancing and wear a mask.
How can I get the vaccine?
At present none of the COVID vaccines are available in market over the counter. It can only be taken once you are registered with the health ministry. The way to register and documents required for identity proof are displayed on the ministry of family health and welfare website and will be available in news once the next phase of vaccination begins.
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