Before you get the jab

WHICH COVID-19 VACCINES ARE APPROVED IN INDIA?
The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), the country’s national drug regulator, announced on Sunday (January 3) that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has decided to accept the recommendations of its Subject Expert Committee (SEC), and approved the COVID-19 vaccines of both Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech for restricted use in the country. (Source: The Indian Express)
HOW DO VACCINES WORK?


The Covishield vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India is a non-replicating viral vector that makes use of another weakened virus like the common cold chimpanzee virus. This vaccine works to make spike protein on the virus’s surface, where the body’s immune system will recognize that the protein doesn’t belong there and starts building an immune stimulus making antibodies against the virus
The Covaxin vaccine developed by Bharat Biotech uses a different technology of an inactivated vaccine that makes uses of the killed SARS-C0V-2 virus, which would not infect or replicate once injected, but serves to trigger an immune response. This vaccine is likely to target more than the spike protein, as it aims to develop an immune response to the nucleocapsid protein.
Most people have many questions regarding the COVID-19 vaccines. Matters are not being helped by some rumours that are being circulated among people. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.
Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?
No, vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary, however, it is advisable to receive COVID-19 vaccine for safeguarding oneself and to limit the spread of this disease to the close contacts.
Will the vaccine be safe as it has been developed in a short span of time?
Yes, the two vaccines introduced in India will be effective. They have undertaken several phases of vaccine trials to assure its safety and efficacy.
If I had already had COVID-19 and recovered, do I still need a vaccine?
Yes, COVID-19 vaccination should be given to you regardless of whether you already had been infected. This will help in developing a robust immune response against the disease.
Should a person currently having COVID-19 (confirmed or suspected) infection be vaccinated?
A person with confirmed coronavirus infection may increase the risk of transmitting the same to others at the vaccination site. Hence, infected individuals should defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms settle.
Can a person with comorbid illness on medications take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. Individuals with comorbid diseases are categorized as a high-risk group, hence, they need to get COVID-19 vaccination.
What is the time interval required for the COVID-19 vaccine doses administration?
Two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have to be taken at a 28-day interval. Health experts recommend that a gap of 2-3 months between each dose can increase effectiveness.
Does the COVID-19 vaccine have any side effects?
As is common with all other vaccines, mild fever and pain at the site of injection are usual side effects
Can one take Covishield first dose and Coxavin as second dose?
It is not suggested to change from one vaccine to another during the vaccination period.

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