Citizens above the age of 18 are now eligible for the COVID vaccine in India at any private COVID vaccination centre (CVC) from 1st May. To get their shot they need to register on the CoWIN portal.

Book an appointment through the CoWin portal: https://www.CoWin.gov.in/home. You will avail the vaccine at CVCs via an online appointment from CoWIN. Alternatively, you can use Arogya Setu or UMANG. Please use the desktop site to register yourself. On-site registration/appointments will be considered only in special cases. Around 600 million new registrants are likely to register for vaccine appointments in the middle of a sharp upsurge in coronavirus cases.

Post-Vaccination side effects

It is very common to experience symptoms post-vaccination. Many people may feel one or more side effects after the COVID-19 vaccination which includes-a slight fever, headache, nausea or fatigue. According to the experts, these anticipated reactions show that your immune system is learning how to fight the coronavirus.

Schedule your appointment such that there is adequate time for rest afterwards. No preparation is needed for getting the COVID jab. As there are potential side effects, you may keep your schedule flexible to rest properly.

Why do we experience side effects?

Vaccines boost immunity without infecting the body. You may be worried that taking the COVID-19 vaccines can make you sick with COVID- 19. Nevertheless, these vaccines do not contain live viruses. So, they are safe for you. The immune system instructs the body to react in certain ways. Different kinds of vaccines work in different ways to provide a defence mechanism.

It typically takes about two weeks post-vaccination for the body to produce T-lymphocytes and B-lymphocytes that will recall how to fight coronavirus in the future. The process of building immunity can cause normal symptoms, like having a fever. The vaccine stimulates blood flow which circulates immune cells. It increases the blood flow so more immune cells can circulate, and it raises your body temperature to kill the coronavirus.

Since so much has been said about side effects post-vaccination, if one does not show any side effects, they may doubt whether the vaccine is working. Whether you have any side effects or not, you get more than 92 per cent protection from the jabs. A combination of factors like age, gender well-being, diet and the environment can be the reason why one would get such reactions to shots or not.

Although side effects are more, still the benefits of taking the vaccine outweigh the risk. The serious side effects like blood clots in heart and brain are 1 in million and still not established side effects.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine

Some of the common side effects seen in any vaccination:

• Pain, redness or swelling at the site of injection
• Chills
• Fever
• Headache
• Feeling tired
• Joint and muscle ache
• Fainting after any medical procedure, including vaccinations

Remember, these are just body reactions to produce an immune response after vaccination. The reaction to the second dose will be stronger than the first, as your immune system is sent on an overdrive. Doctors believe that post-vaccination symptoms may last for a day or two. They can be resolved easily with a paracetamol tablet taken if needed. Avoid painkillers such as diclofenac.

In case of shortness of breath or giddiness, visit the nearest emergency hospital. Avoid taking any painkillers prior to the COVID-19 vaccination. It may hinder your body’s normal immune response to the vaccine.

Older, frail and immunocompromised individuals are in more need to receive a complete vaccination for covid with booster to prevent complications, hospitalizations and chances of mortality since they are more susceptible for complications and covid severity.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D

Post-vaccination

Make sure to stay seated at the clinic/hospital waiting room for 20 minutes post-administration to observe any immediate reactions. The hospital personnel will monitor you for at least 15-30 minutes after getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Suppose you develop any side effects that do not resolve or are bothersome; you can immediately contact the healthcare team.

Once you receive your first dose, the government issues a vaccine certificate that provides details about your age, gender and vaccine details, such as the name of the vaccine and the date of administration. It would be best if you got the second dose of the same vaccine to get maximum benefits. So ensure to collect your vaccination certificate.

Conclusion

Side effects are linked to age. The elderly may show lesser side effects than the younger persons, who may have a faster and stronger immune response to the vaccine. Every individual’s immune system is peculiar. Some may have more symptoms post-vaccine; others none at all. The guaranteed long-term side effect is immunity. 

The likelihood of personal protection from the vaccine is remarkable. Getting vaccinated may help save you from contracting the severe form of COVID-19. Getting vaccinated yourself may also protect people around you, chiefly those having a bigger risk for severe illness from COVID-19.

COVID-19 vaccines defend against the SARS-CoV-2 virus only, so it is imperative to maintain your health and well-being. Vaccination does not make one invincible.

Continue to follow safety protocols even if vaccinated:

 · Maintain at least six feet distance from other people and avoid get-togethers in large groups, mostly indoors.

 · Put on a double layer of the mask when you step out of your house.

 · You should scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before handling food or caring for the sick, using the toilet and going out. Alternatively, use a hand sanitiser that contains at least 60% alcohol.

 · Do not touch your face with filthy hands.

 · Use a tissue or the inner side of your elbow when you sneeze or cough to cover them. Do not spit. Throw used tissues in the dustbin.

 · Disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day.

Contact your doctor if the fever persists:

 · Be watchful for symptoms like high fever, dry cough, shortness of breath or other COVID-19 symptoms.

 · Monitor your body temperature if symptoms progress.

Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.