Importance of Vaccination to fight Covid

Over the past few months, it is being asserted that health security has now become an indispensable part of national security for every country. There is an absolute need to ensure equitable access to the covid-19 vaccines all across the globe as it has now been established that no one is safe till the time everyone is safe.

Ever since the vaccination process has started in India, it has been the one thing people have been most concerned about. People do realise that getting the vaccination is crucial in keeping them and the others around them safe from this deadly virus. However, there is also a percentage of people who feel a little apprehensive about the efficiency and after-effects of the vaccine.

The Health Ministry has already clarified that the vaccines have been brought for public administration only after confirming their safety. There are certain common side-effects that start to go away from the second day. You can encourage your clients to take the vaccinations, as it can be a prudent precautionary step.

- Development and efficiency of the vaccinesEvery vaccine that is produced serves a definite purpose. Along with the fragments of the disease-causing virus, the vaccine also contains ingredients that retain its safety and effectiveness. Just like medicines, each vaccine also goes through rigorous tests and investigations to ensure that it is safe for human beings.
  The vaccine is first administered on a small number of volunteers so that its safety, immunity and dose can be assessed. After these clinical trials, more steps are taken for public health and approvals. Once the vaccine is authorized it is turned into an immunization programme.
  
  In the past, vaccines have been effective in controlling pandemics such as polio and smallpox. With 98% and 95% efficacy respectively. Covid-19 vaccines so far have had 70% efficacy.
  
  Covaxin
  Covaxin, an inactive vaccine, has been made up of killed coronaviruses. As it is prepared on a safe and tested platform, it is safe when this is injected into the body. Developed by Bharat Biotech, an Indian biotech company and the clinical research body Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). A sample of coronavirus was used and when administered it helps in building up the count of antibodies in the human body. This allows the body to prepare a protective defence against an attack.
  
  Common side effects of Covaxin:
  - Redness and pain at the injection site
  - Low-grade temperature
  - Headache
  - Weakness
  - Vomiting
  Covisheild
  Covisheild is an Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine. It is being produced locally by the Serum Institute of India which is the world’s largest vaccine manufacturer. Made from adenovirus, which is a weakened version of a common cold virus from chimpanzees. When the shot is injected, it makes the immune system produce antibodies that would attack any coronavirus infection.
  
  If you or your client has got his/ her first shot, the next would be given after a period of 4 to 12 weeks. Covisheild has an efficacy of 70%, which can be above 90% when the first half dose is followed by the second half dose one month later.
  
  Common side effects of Covisheild:
  - Mild pain and warmth on injection site
  - Bruising
  - Fever
  - Nausea
  - Muscle ache

Process for registration for the vaccineCovid-19 vaccine registration is now open to all adult citizens of India. The Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare and the National Health Authority has issued a user guide to help in registering and booking appointments. Using the information given below, you can guide your clients about the process for registration:
The registration can be done via the website http://www.cowin.gov.in OR through the Aarogya Setu App. you must educate your clients that the slots are subject to availability. It may take some time to be able to register, and many people are finding it difficult to do so.

Steps to follow:
- Step 1:
  Visit the website http://www.cowin.gov.in or open the Aarogya Setu App
- Step 2:
  When you enter your mobile number and click OTP, you would receive the OPT, one-time password on the mobile number entered via SMS
- Step 3:
  The registration page would open. You would have to enter the required details. Inform your clients that they must keep the Photo ID Cards handy
- Step 4:
  In case of a senior citizen’s registration, you need to remember to click the necessary option
- Step 5:
  The system would now display account detail. One individual can link 4 more people to the mobile number that has been entered. To enter the details of the other person, click “Add”.
- Step 6:
  You now need to book the appointment or vaccination. For which you would have to select a preferred date in the Calendar, under the “Action” button. Then search the vaccination centre closest to you. Select the State, district, Block and Pin code accordingly. Make sure to select the date and centre carefully.
- Step 7:
  The Appointment Confirmation page would open and show the details of the registration. Click “Confirm” if the details are correct. Click “Back” to edit the details
- Step 8:
  Once the details are confirmed “Appointment Successful” Page would appear on the screen
Do’s and Don’ts of VaccinationPeople over the age of 45 are now eligible for the Covid vaccine. Though very few adverse events have been observed as an after-effect of the vaccine, it is important that certain do’s and don’ts are followed carefully.
Before taking the vaccine:
1. If you or your client was infected with Covid-19 in the last 4-6 weeks or received plasma therapy must avoid taking the vaccination
2. If you have any medical allergies you must ensure discussing the same with your doctor
3. Do not hide any medical condition before you get the vaccine
4. Pregnant ladies/ lactating mothers can delay the vaccination after speaking to their doctor
5. Speaking to your general physician would help in clearing any inhibitions that you may have
6. Eat a light meal before the shot, carry a water bottle with you to stay well-hydrated
7. Avoid consuming alcohol or any other intoxicating substance
8. Wear a loose top/ shirt as you would get the shot on your upper arm
9. Wear a mask when you go to the vaccine centre, carry a pocket sanitiser too
10. Follow all covid protocols. Maintain social distancing, avoid touching other items around you
11. Relax and stay positive
After taking the vaccine:
1. You may be asked to stay under observation for 30-45 minutes
2. You may experience certain side effects, so it is better that you avoid driving yourself
3. In case the discomfort/ pain is too much speak to your doctor
4. It is absolutely necessary that you get the second dose within the stipulated time, as advised by your doctor
5. There is no evidence of alcohol impairing the efficacy of the vaccine, but many do advise abstaining from alcohol immediately after the shot
6. In case of pain/ fever after the vaccine, do not self-medicate. Speak to your doctor and then take a medicine
7. Unless advised against, drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated
8. The Covid-19 vaccine, just like other vaccines, does not guarantee immunity against the disease. It is imperative that you take all precautionary measures- face masks, physical distancing and hand hygiene

Corona Helplines in your city

State/ Union Territory	Helpline Number
Andaman & Nicobar	03192-232102
Andhra Pradesh	0866-2410978
Arunachal Pradesh	9436055743
Assam	6913347770
Bihar	104
Chandigarh	9779558282
Chhattisgarh	104
Dadra Nagar Haveli	104
Delhi	011-22307145
Goa	104
Gujarat	104
Haryana	8558893911
Himachal Pradesh	104
Jammu	01912520982
Jharkhand	104
Karnataka	104
Kashmir	01942440283
Kerala	0471-2552056
Ladakh	01982256462
Lakshadweep	104
Madhya Pradesh	104
Maharashtra	020-26127394
Manipur	3852411668
Meghalaya	108
Mizoram	102
Nagaland	7005539653
Odisha	9439994859
Puducherry	104
Punjab	104
Rajasthan	0141-2225624
Sikkim	104
Tamil Nadu	044-29510500
Telangana	104
Tripura	0381-2315879
Uttarakhand	104
Uttar Pradesh	1800 180 5145
West Bengal	1800 313 444 222 033-23412600

As we near the peak of the second Covid wave, the next phase of vaccination has also kicked off. After senior citizens and healthcare workers, adults till the age of 45 years are now getting their doses of the vaccines. Both the vaccines have been regarded to be safe for use, and hardly any severe reactions have been observed. Make sure you and your clients do away with the hesitancy and any misinformation and get their covid vaccines on time.

References:

Importance of Vaccination to fight Covid

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