There are currently more than 50 COVID-19 vaccine candidates in trials. For coronavirus, if we have fighters called antibodies against the spike protein, we will have a much lower chance of getting the disease. There are 2 ways to produce antibodies. One is by just giving the vaccine which is a part of the spike protein or the spike protein itself and the second is to give the instructions for how to make the spike protein and let the body produce the spike protein. The spike protein present in the vaccine is so weakened that it doesn’t cause any disease. So, one is not going to get the disease from the vaccines that are given.
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine can help protect you by creating an antibody response in your body without you having to become sick with COVID-19. It also might protect people around you particularly people with an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Studies conducted across the country suggest; the vaccine is well-tolerated, safe to administer, and enhances immunity by producing specific antibodies. As compared to the benefits, the adverse reactions of the vaccine are minimal and manageable. Moreover, according to the WHO they have a safety system that looks for various information related to safety before a vaccine is authorized to use. Covaxin has been tested on more than 30,000 volunteers, which is the highest in the Country. Analyzing the data takes a bit of time. However, the Drug Controller General of India has given permission for its emergency use only after satisfying itself of its efficacy. Vaccination is extremely important to break the chain of transmission of the novel coronavirus. Based on the guidance from the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration (NEGVAC)
COVID-19 vaccine will be introduced in a phased manner with the first phase focusing on:
- Health Care Workers (HCWs): Health care providers and workers in health care settings (Public and Private), including ICDS workers
- Frontline Workers (FLWs): Personnel from State and Central Police department, Armed Forces, Home, Guard, prison staff, disaster management volunteers and Civil Defence Organization, Municipal Workers and Revenue officials engaged in COVID-19 containment, surveillance, and associated activities.
- Population ≥50 years of age and < 50 years with comorbidities like Diabetes, Hypertension, Cancer, Lung Diseases, etc.
An estimated 30 crore population is expected to be covered in this phase.
In principle, the decision is always based on a risk-benefit assessment. For example, according to the director of the Institute of Clinical Microbiology, Immunology, and Hygiene at Eriangon University Hospital who is also the standing committee member on vaccination is an address to the German Press Agency said; if an elderly person has a 20% chance of dying from a coronavirus infection and at the same time the risk of getting a severe side effect of the vaccination is 1 in one lakh fifty thousand or even less, he would accept the risk.
You shouldn't take Covid vaccine if You:
- Have any history of allergies.
- Have fever.
- Have a bleeding disorder or are you on a blood thinner.
- Are immune-compromised or are you on a medicine that affects your immune system.
- Are pregnant.
- Are breastfeeding.
- Have received another COVID-19 vaccine.
- Any other serious health-related issues, as determined by the vaccinator/officer supervising the vaccination.
Always consult your family physician in case of any concerns or doubts regarding the vaccine, its efficacy, and safety.
Swaroop Panda is a Pharma Strategic Consultant who is currently engaged in the project of creating value to key customers in Japan and APEC countries
