Busting Common Myths About The COVID-19 Vaccine

The Vaccine for the deadly coronavirus is finally here and nearly 3.8 lakh people got vaccinated in India. But there are still many questions which people have in their minds. We bring to you common myths about the COVID-19 vaccine, and Dr. M V Rao, General Physician, Yashoda Hospital, Hyderabad has debunked those myths. So COVID vaccine is here but we still need to follow preventive behavior.

After a long wait and patience for almost a year now, 2021 started with great news about the vaccination drive in India. The Health Ministry approved of two vaccines for emergency use in the country, namely- Covishield and Covaxin and now everyone is waiting eagerly to getting vaccinated and returning to their normal lives, living without any fear. However, as much as people are waiting for the vaccination, some of them are fearful of its possible reactions and certain consequences they may have to face. While some are true, others are mere rumors. Therefore, to debunk some of the most common myths related to the vaccination process and approved vaccines in India, the ETV Bharat Sukhibhava team spoke to Dr. M V Rao, General Physician, Yashoda Hospital, and here is what he informed us.

1. Is COVID-19 vaccination mandatory for all?
   COVID-19 vaccination is NOT mandatory for all. People can voluntarily get vaccinated. However, one must understand that people who contract the novel coronavirus may develop antibodies against the virus, which will prevent them from getting infected again for a few months, but not forever. Therefore, vaccines are the best and guaranteed defense against the virus.
2. What can be the consequences if a person is not vaccinated?
   Dr. Rao explains that the virus mutates and may cause untold health problems, particularly in aged people and those who are suffering from comorbid diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, cancer, etc. And since there is no curative treatment of COVID-19 yet, vaccination is recommended to be on the safer side than having to deal with uncertain health consequences.
3. Can a person currently suffering from COVID-19 get vaccinated?
   NO. It is important to look for the possible symptoms of COVID-19 before getting vaccinated. Vaccination should be done only after the symptoms subside. If a person is suffering from the novel coronavirus, he/she must wait until 4-8 weeks post-recovery for getting vaccinated, otherwise, complications may arise.
4. How many vaccine doses are required?
   Two equal doses with an interval of 28 days will be required. If only one dose is administered immunity against covid maybe only up to the scale of 60-80%. If we aim at total protection two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are recommended. If the second dose is delayed it should be administered as early as possible.
5. Is there any possible drug interaction between the vaccine with other regular medicines being used?
   Dr. Rao explains that the COVID-19 vaccine will not have any interaction with the regular medicines that are in use. However, if steroids or similar medicines are being used, vaccines may not be able to produce an optimal number of antibodies.
6. Can people who have undergone transplants get vaccinated?
   People who have undergone transplant surgeries may avoid COVID-19 vaccination. However, they can seek their doctor’s advice for the same.
7. Can pregnant and lactating mothers get vaccinated?
   Since the COVID-19 vaccine is synthesized with dead particles of the virus itself, researchers are saying that there won’t be any undesired effects as such. But, because the research in this area is rather insufficient, CDC suggests prevention of vaccination in pregnant and lactating mothers. The British health organization has also recommended not to get impregnated for at least two months after vaccination.
8. Diabetics and vaccination?
   People suffering from diabetes and other comorbid diseases are recommended to take early vaccination as they are in the high-risk category and are more likely to have serious complications.
9. Is vaccination recommended for children?
   Research till now is not conclusive, so vaccination is not recommended for children up to the age of 18.
10. Can I choose between the two approved vaccines?
    NO. There won’t be any choice between the two approved vaccines and both are equally effective.
11. For how long will the vaccine be effective?
    The vaccine will be effective within 2 weeks after the second dose. The immune response will minimize the chance of contracting the disease by about 70%, prevent hospitalization and reduce the mortality rate significantly.
12. Do we need to wear a mask after vaccination?
    Since the vaccine may not provide 100% protection from the novel coronavirus, following preventive measures such as wearing a mask, hand and respiratory hygiene, sanitization, physical distancing, etc. will still be recommended. Also, the 2 weeks period after getting vaccinated is quite critical.
13. Does the vaccine have any side effects?
    Since the vaccine is like any other vaccines used before for other infections, some people may experience low-grade fever and pain, and swelling at the sight of the injection. These are indicators of vaccine efficiency. If any undesirable effects are presented they may be due to congeners used to preserve the vaccine.
14. How long will the vaccine be effective?
    It can vary from 6 months to 2 years, but the data collected till now is not conclusive. We cannot say if a booster dose will be required or not.

Therefore, although the vaccination drive has begun in several countries, researches are still going on to have conclusive answers to various questions. COVID-19 vaccination is not mandatory but is important.