With the COVID-19 cases rising once again in many parts of the country, the speculations regarding the need for a booster vaccination dose against the virus have intensified. Everyone is concerned if they should get the third dose or not.
To make things even more intriguing, the United States has decided to administer their people with the third dose from September onwards. They have decided to inoculate the vulnerable group of people first with the third dose.
There are a few more countries thinking about administering the third dose to eliminate the possibility of another deadly wave of COVID-19.
As per the experts, India surely is going to need a booster dose in the later stages. The government, however, has maintained that the need for the third dose of the vaccine is being closely monitored.
A booster dose is administered to enhance the antibody levels in the body when they start lowering after a certain period of time following the second shot of the vaccine.
The director at the National Institute of Virology, Dr Priya Abraham recently explained that studies have been under process in several foreign countries on the requirement of booster shots and at least seven vaccines have already been tried out. In the days to come, the booster dose will surely become a recommendation for everyone.
The director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr Randeep Guleria has also pointed out that booster doses are definitely going to become a necessity looking at the mutating variants of the deadly virus. He also claimed that the immunity tends to fall as time passes. It happens because of waning immunity.
He said that it still has to be found out if a yearly dose would be required or not and if it would be mandatory for everyone or not.
On the other hand, European Medicines Agency has notified that it is too early to claim that there was any need for an additional dose of COVID-19 vaccine, apart from the pre-defined two doses. It said that they were certain that the current regimen was sufficient for COVID-19 prevention.
Some other experts have suggested that the authorities around the world should focus more on the first round of vaccination as when enough people would be inoculated, the mutated versions of coronavirus would take time to pop up again.
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Currently, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is stopping the countries from going ahead with the third dose as there are plenty of poor countries where the inoculation rate is very alarming.
WHO has said that the high-income countries should not go ahead with the third dose administration drive till the low-income countries catch up with a healthy inoculation rate.
Moreover, WHO chief scientist Dr Soumya Swaminathan also highlighted recently that the data available right now does not suggest any need for a third dose for anyone.
On the other hand, the United States health officials have been claiming for a long time now that people might require a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccines just like they do for other vaccines.
Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) chairman Cyrus Poonawalla, recently revealed that he has already taken the third dose of the vaccine and also appealed to everyone, who have already completed their course of two vaccines, to go ahead and take the third dose once it has already been six months.
Furthermore, he said that he has already got about seven to eight thousand SII employees inoculated with the third dose.
According to the media reports, the results of trials of the third booster dose of Covaxin developed and manufactured by Bharat Biotech and the National Institute of Virology, are expected to come by November 2021.
The booster dose of the “Made in India” vaccine was first introduced in May this year. It has been under trial ever since then at 12 different centres including AIIMS in Delhi and Patna.
The Drug Controller General of India (DGCI) had granted permission to run clinical trials for the third dose of Covaxin back in April this year. The results of the first trials carried out in April are expected in August, while the result of the second trial is scheduled to arrive in November this year.
The results of these trials will define the immunogenicity, reactogenicity, safety and tolerability of the booster dose of Covaxin.
As far as Indian and US experts are concerned, they both seem to be on the same page in terms of the need for the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while WHO has something else to suggest. The government may soon take a decision on the issue as the cases of Delta plus variant are rapidly increasing in some parts of India and may spread across states very quickly.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
When people were hoping to develop herd immunity after enough people would have recovered from COVID-19 or got vaccinated against it, the head of the UK’s Oxford Vaccine Group has warned that it may never be possible.
The leader of Oxford University’s COVID-19 vaccine developer team, Professor Andrew Pollard, has claimed that nothing can eliminate the possibility of even more transmissible variants of Coronavirus. Therefore, we would never be able to put a full stop to the spread of the virus.
He, however, has also mentioned that there is nothing to “panic” while expressing his doubts over the third booster dose suggested by the government of the United Kingdom.
He clarified that the Delta variant is not in any way similar to measles, which could not spread in a community where 95 percent of the population has already been inoculated.
More points he highlighted are –
Professor Pollard’s views were supported by Paul Hunter who is also a professor at the University of East Anglia. Prof. Hunter is a very credible expert in infectious diseases. He was the same professor who first mentioned that the current vaccines are surely giving protection against severe COVID-19 infection and death but they cannot eliminate the possibility of infection entirely.
Describing herd immunity as “unachievable”, he said that that infection will keep spreading among the unvaccinated populations and also added that the latest data suggests that the two doses of the vaccines are only providing 50 percent of protection against infection.
Some experts believe that Professor Pollard’s doubts over the third dose are not relevant and the plan of UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid to administer the third booster shot along with a flu vaccine to those who are at a higher risk of getting infected is a smart choice. This has been proposed to be brought into action from September onwards.
Professor Pollard suggests that we may consider administering the third dose to vulnerable people if we see more hospitalisations or deaths among the vaccinated people.
While accepting that the level of immunity does drop after a certain period of time, he pointed out that our immune system still remembers the body getting vaccinated and this memory lasts for decades.
Hence, there is nothing to panic about at the moment. Raising another very important point, Professor Pollard said that these doses should be transported to those places of the world where people have not been vaccinated and where these can actually create a greater impact.
Fresh cases recorded on Monday – 32,937
Total deaths recorded on Monday – 417
No of doses administered – Over 55 crore
COVID hotspot in India – Karnataka, accounting for more than 50 percent of the total cases
Although we do not have the right resources as of yet to stop the spread of COVID-19, we surely do not need to panic and just have to adhere to the protocols established by your local authorities. We can only stop the spread and protect our loved ones if we abide by the rules. As suggested by the experts, the situation is going to get better with time.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The whole world has somewhat understood that COVID-19 is not going to go anytime soon and that they have to find ways to live with it. People seem to be making peace with every problem the virus has caused, except one – the mutation of SARS-CoV-2.
From the virulent strain first found in Kent, Uk, to its much virulent mutated strain found in India, the various strains of the virus have wreaked havoc across the world. Currently, the world is grappling with the strain found in India, more popularly known as the Delta variant.
The confusion over the new strains is really obvious because even the experts have claimed that the current mutations may not be the most dangerous yet and that the battle is not over as of now. They have also suggested that the world might see more strains of the virus which would wreak more damage to the world.
Some experts have also suggested the world leaders, prepare plans to combat the new strains of Coronavirus that are emerging in different parts of the world constantly.
The most burning questions the world is facing right now are how much protection do the current vaccines offer, what makes these variants prop up, can vaccines fully protect us and how can we protect ourselves?
We have tried to cover all the questions here to solve your dilemmas. Have a look:
As per scientific research, a virus mutates or comes up with a new variant, whenever there is any kind of change in the genetic code of the current virus strain.
Coronavirus isn’t doing anything new as many viruses and pathogens tend to mutate on their own. However, there are some viruses like COVID-19, variants of which may be genetically distinct and cause very serious complications.
Ribonucleic Acid (RNA) viruses like SARC-CoV-2 are more prone to mutate than other viruses.
For instance, B.1.351 and B.1.1.7 variants were first found in the UK back in September 2020. These were two of the initial strains of coronavirus which even today are the most predominant form of the deadly virus in several countries, including India.
With every mutation, the virus sees some particular genetic changes which can potentially make the virus even more contagious and severe. For instance, the B.1.1.7 variant was found more contagious than others while the double mutant variant has been known for showing extremely severe complications. There are some variants of COVID-19 which affect the patient’s body in such a way that it starts showing different symptoms altogether.
The main reason for worry over the emergence of a particular strain of the virus is its ability to spread faster and the kind of attack it launches on the body of the infected. Notably, it is believed that virulent viruses are smarter than others as they have the ability to dodge some of the natural antibodies and cause severe damage to the patient’s body.
Interestingly, we must understand that not all the virus variants are as dangerous or cause severe damage as we have been discussing. The strains which are genetically traced or found to be variants of concern (VOCs) are believed to be more severe.
A big reason of concern for people has been the efficacy of currently available COVID-19 vaccines against the newly emerging virus strains, as they have the ability to surpass antibodies easily, making the vaccines rather ineffective.
Well, this is not entirely true. The new variants of SARC-CoV-2 may be smarter and severe than the previous ones but the vaccines we are taking may not become completely futile. A few lab-based studies have proven that the immune response triggered due to the vaccines consists of several components and even when they reduce, the vaccine response is not supposed to die entirely.
We surely are at a risk of facing future variants and mutations of the virus. Still, getting vaccinated and following the social distancing protocols set by the local authorities is the best we can do to protect ourselves. Hence everyone should get inoculated at the earliest.
Some studies have proven that a fully vaccinated person is at low risk of suffering from severe complications and dying. In some cases, the vaccinated person has recovered quicker than others. Moreover, to tackle the upcoming strains of the virus, some booster shots may be introduced in future.
Many scientists are suggesting, instead of fearing the upcoming strains of the COVID-19, we should prepare a plan of action to keep our loved ones and ourselves safe. Getting vaccinated is the best we can do right now to save the world. The new strains will keep coming, at least for the foreseeable future. Hence, we should not let our guard down against this war against the deadly virus.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Monsoon, without a doubt, brings a lot of joy to the people suffering from the scorching heat of the summer but for a few people, who either are very serious about exercising or need to do some physical activity to stay healthy, do not find it very convenient.
The pleasant rainy weather not only prompts us to binge on ‘pakoras’ and ‘tea’ but also makes us too lazy to head to the gym. As going for a jog has also gone out of the window, keeping oneself physically active becomes a tricky business.
Well, it is not as tough as you think if you know the right options to exercise and burn enough calories without stepping out a single time throughout the day.
Below, we have suggested some of the ideas you can consider at your convenience to stay active during this rainy season. Have a look:
Jogging is one of the most meaningful and efficient exercises one can do. Well, it is not mandatory to step outside if you want to jog. As per the fitness experts, spot jogging is a perfect pre-workout exercise, as it warms up the body to carry out the rest of the regime without posing any threat to your muscles.
You just have to lift your knees and move them back to the ground. You should also move your hands in the same manner you do while running outside. It looks like you are running but at the same spot.
If you do this exercise for 30 minutes, you will burn about 215 calories.
Jumping Jacks includes hopping your feet out shoulder-width apart while you bring your arms above your head, then hopping your feet back together while you lower your arms to your sides. It is a full-body workout that targets the upper, lower, and core muscles.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Skipping is an ideal cardio exercise that you can consider for improving cardio-respiratory fitness, flexibility and coordination. As per the experts, skipping is one of the most effective high-impact exercises that helps the performer strengthen their bones. Moreover, it also helps in reducing weight from your thighs, hips and sides.
To do this exercise, you need a rope, rotate it in a circular motion and jump when it touches the ground. The smaller the jump the better it is for your knees and ankles. Jumping about an inch from the ground is considered ideal.
If you do this exercise for an hour, you will burn about 560 calories.
Strength training is also possible in the comfort of your home. You just have to purchase some dumbbells. The weight of the dumbbells should be the same or marginally higher than what you have already been lifting at the gym. You can also consider filling up some water bottles and doing strength training with them.
Every hour of such strength training done correctly may help you lose about 200 calories.
Start with what you can do whether it’s walking, riding a bike, or aerobic exercises, Don’t think you have to run a marathon or be an elite athlete, start it and just keep going no matter what.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
To do this exercise, you need to get into a pushup position, bend your arms and move down towards the floor. Now, you have to hold the same position with extended arms. Initially, you just have to hold the position for about 30 seconds. This exercise may seem very easy to pull, but is a challenging one and helps in toning your core muscles like abs, stabiliser muscles and back.
Doing it for an hour helps you lose about 350 calories.
As we all know, yoga is a spiritual form of exercising that helps you connect your body, spirit and mind. Apart from giving you a better understanding of your body, it improves your flexibility and provides peace of mind.
What makes it more convincing is that you can do it regularly without having to leave your home. As per the experts, trying out meditation, pranayama and Surya Namaskar are some of the best forms of yoga to keep yourself fit and healthy.
Monsoon may come with a few drawbacks for the fitness junkies but as we have mentioned above, there are plenty of ways you can keep yourself in the best shape and health even during this period with some home exercises. If you are a diabetes patient, it is advised to consult with your doctor before you make any alterations in your regime of physical activity.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
With vaccine deployment on the rise, it finally looks like there is some end to this pandemic within sight. With the initial spread of COVID-19, India faced the world’s largest lockdown to control the escalation and reduce the number of people infected.
Over a year and a half later, after the initial and second waves have taken their toll, everyone is curious about the third wave. Questions like ”when is the third wave coming?” and ”how can we avoid the third wave?” are common in the news and the general public. The hopeful news is that although it is inevitable, proper measures can help us avoid it.
As per the government scientific advisors, to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 is not an impossible task, as long as we all stick to the basic precautionary methods – mask-wearing, hand washing/sanitising and 6-feet physical distancing.
With the new variants such as the Delta variant, it is wreaking havoc due to its ability to spread more easily than the earlier variants, the focus has shifted to prioritise both prevention and vaccination. With ambitious goals to have a billion people fully vaccinated by the end of the year, India faces a steep challenge.
One of the key figures being mentioned is a 60% fully vaccinated rate. It is thought that if we can cross this threshold, it can reduce the likelihood of an intense third wave by achieving herd immunity. At best, it can prevent a third wave from ever happening. Even if the third wave arrives, we will have a handle over it.
One of the more significant factors is the general public becoming relaxed with masks and social distancing protocols due to the low number of cases post the second wave. So, how can we avoid the third wave? It’s simple – wear a mask in public at all times, maintain social distance, sanitise your hands regularly and most importantly, get vaccinated as soon as possible.
So far, there is no consensus on when the 3rd wave will arrive. According to some estimates, it started on July 4th whereas others are of the opinion that the 3rd wave might be here by August. Looking into the way the virus has affected our country through the first two waves gives us some clues as to what are some possible outcomes for the future. It may be that with enough precautions to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 and successful vaccination drives we can actually avoid the third wave.
Some government officials note that 6 – 8 weeks may be a possibility, while the start of August – end of October also seems popular among experts. The later predictions even speculate that November maybe when we see the third wave. However, these are all predictions and nothing is sure at this point in time.
It may turn out that the question of ”when is the third wave?” may be unnecessary, as some speculation suggests this next wave will be a more gradual, slow rise than an actual ‘wave’ of cases. It is best to not worry and stress too much on how to prevent the third wave of COVID-19, as the news may simply lead to unnecessary panic.
There has been some alarm and fear that the ‘inevitable’ third wave will disproportionately affect children. The logic behind this theory is that children have been relatively sheltered throughout the first and second waves of the pandemic. But with more people heading outside to restart work and the public situation evolving, children may be at a higher risk now of coming into contact with the virus.
The fact of the matter is, most children experience this infectious disease in a mild form only. Additionally, most children do not have any comorbidities and health conditions common in adults (hypertension, diabetes, heart and lung diseases). This makes their risk of developing complications during COVID-19 even lower. There is a very small risk of Multi-System Inflammatory Disease of Children (MIS-C) but it is rare. Due to the nature of how the virus works, to prevent the third wave of COVID-19 in children the normal protocols are enough.
Be sure that your child is practising these safety measures even when they are not directly within your sight and instil in them the need to be vigilant without causing them stress or alarm. Avoid unnecessary gatherings and follow COVID appropriate behaviour sincerely, because children imitate what elders do.
Although it has been thoroughly fatiguing and tiring, getting through this pandemic can only move quicker if we stop the virus from spreading and get vaccinated. It is natural to get irritated and disheartened but our lives and safety should always be a priority so remain vigilant and don’t take these precautions lightly. Do your best to help others stick to the usual safety measures and avoid gatherings where you won’t be able to maintain social distance.
In the end, the question of ”how can we avoid the third wave” comes down to each and every one of us – will you be able to do your part to stop the third wave?
If we all do our part, then the third wave can remain as just a speculation and we can all move forward into regular life.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
As the second wave of COVID-19 shook the roots of Indian healthcare machinery, some researchers used this disastrous time as an opportunity to prepare a self-testing kit for common people, which they can use to know if they are infected with SARS-CoV-2 or not within the safety and comfort of home in a very short time. The quick results given by CoviSelf will help you seek proper treatment at the earliest, thereby reducing the risk of developing severe illness due to delay in diagnosis and the initiation of treatment.
The self-testing kits, which can potentially release a huge burden off the healthcare system, have now also received a green signal from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).
The self-test kit, approved by ICMR, has been developed by a Pune-based molecular company named MyLab Discovery Solutions. The name of the kit is CoviSelf.
It uses a rapid antigen test. In it, the patient just has to take the nasal swab sample, and it will give the result within 15 minutes. It only takes about 2 minutes to carry out the test.
This test kit costs only Rs 250. The manufacturing company currently has a production capacity of 70 lakh kits per week, and they are expecting to expand it to one crore kits per week in the next 14 days. The kit will not only be sold at the local medical stores but also at the e-pharmacies in India.
Aiming to fight against the upcoming waves of COVID-19 with more efficiency, MyLab has also prepared an AI-powered smartphone app to update users about their positive status. They can also submit their report directly to the ICMR for traceability purposes. The app will also tell them what to do next in case of either result.
ICMR recommends taking this test only if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 or have come in contact with a COVID positive patient. If found positive, the patient will not require an RT-PCR test for confirmation, and all the government-specified protocols will be followed for isolation and high-risk contact tracing.
If your result comes out positive, your report will be automatically submitted on the ICMR portal, as the test is in sync with MyLab’s mobile app CoviSelf. ICMR, however, recommends not to take this test in public places.
Moreover, if a person has tested negative but still has symptoms, he/she is recommended to take an RT-PCR test.
The self-test kit includes the following:
To begin, the user has to download the CoviSelf app on their smartphone and enter all their details. This data will be saved on a secured server that is directly connected with the ICMR portal, making your test reports available to the government.
All the self test kits are rapid antigen detection kits which have high false negative rates. The definitive diagnosis should always be made by RTPCR.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Covid self tests would be helpful ideally 5 days after an exposure to covid virus. If you are negative for the first time you may repeat the test after 48 hours for a total of 3 times.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
You will get the result within 15 minutes of taking the test. In case the result is positive, two lines will appear on the testing card. One line will be on marker “t” for the testing line, and “c” for the quality control line. If the result is negative, there will be only one line at marker “c”.
If the result takes more than 20 minutes to appear or if you can not see any line on marker “c”, then the test is considered invalid.
Many states in India are currently struggling to get through the second wave of COVID-19, and all of them are preparing to combat the possible third wave, which is expected to affect kids the most.
The exponential spread of COVID-19 not only puts a lot of pressure on the hospitals and treatment centres but also creates a huge burden on diagnostic labs.
The RT-PCR test is considered to be the sure-shot way of diagnosing COVID-19, and with a huge number of cases coming daily, the laboratories were finding it difficult to deliver test results even in 3-4 days. This was causing a delay in the hospitalisation of the patients.
With the introduction of these self-test kits, the COVID-19 management in India can see a huge improvement. It will release a lot of pressure from the limited manpower that has been responsible for collecting the samples, executing the tests and delivering the result.
Using these kits, people can check their status within just 15 minutes, enabling them to get the required treatment in time.
The United States was the first country to approve the use of such self-test kits back in November 2020. California-based Lucira Health had produced this all-in-one rapid result test kit and was approved for emergency use in the US. Europe and South Korea have also approved similar kits already.
There are certain shortcomings of these self-test kits as well. The biggest of them all is reliability. There are chances of improper sample collection or contamination of swab sticks.
There are high chances of rapid antigen tests showing false-negative results. In that case, a COVID-positive asymptomatic person may turn out to be a super spreader of the virus without even being traced.
On one hand, where the self-test kits can help in easing the pressure on diagnostic labs and hospitals, on the other, over-dependence on this particular method can lead to an even worse situation. Hence, it should only be recommended and used by those who can carry out the guidelines perfectly and interpret the result accurately.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
The multiple rounds of research and relentless efforts from the medical and scientific community got us our first line of defence against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) – the vaccines.
In India, we have two types of the vaccine – Covishield (manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, partnering with AstraZeneca and Oxford University, who helped develop it) and Covaxin (developed by the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Institute of Virology and manufactured by Bharat Biotech).
These two vaccines were passed under the emergency use authorization issued by Indian regulatory bodies for immediate vaccination to curb the spread of COVID-19. The two vaccines are to be taken in two doses, with a minimum gap of 4 weeks between Covaxin and 12-16 weeks for Covishield.
Vaccines work in different ways, depending on how they have been developed. Globally, there have been 14 vaccines approved by at least one regulatory body that can be administered to the public, while many are still undergoing trials for approval.
Overall, a vaccine puts in a part of the whole of the target virus in the body, which is inactivated or weakened, thus rendered harmless when injected in the body but is potent enough to teach the immune system how to cope with it and thus produce respective antibodies. Depending on which part of the virus is used to make the vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines can be categorised as follows:
It is important to know what both vaccines have to offer. But, considering the current surge in cases and knowing that the vaccine is our only option for reducing the burden on the healthcare system, it is advisable to take whichever is available. However, people with comorbidities should consult their doctors before getting the vaccine if any ongoing medication needs to be stopped (especially for patients under immunosuppressive drugs).
Everyone above the age of 18 is eligible for vaccination, including people with existing comorbid conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, pulmonary disorders, breathing issues, liver and kidney diseases and chronic infections which are stable and controlled by medication.
Healthcare workers (HCW) and frontline workers (FLW) should take the vaccine on a priority basis, given that they are most vulnerable to getting infected owing to the nature of their work. The elderly population should also be vaccinated on priority, owing to existing comorbidities and age.
Both vaccines are safe and have been tested through various clinical trials before being vetted by regulatory bodies. There have been reports on rare side effects of the vaccines, such as blood clots. But the benefits of the vaccines outweigh the risks by a huge margin. Moreover, patients on medications like blood-thinners can take the vaccine as it does not affect their health.
Patients with any form of anaphylactic (allergic) reaction to any food items, pharmaceutical drugs or any previous doses of vaccination (not limited to COVID-19 vaccines) are advised not to take the vaccine.
Patients suffering from COVID-19 are advised to wait for at least 3 months after recovery, before taking the vaccine. Patients who have received convalescent plasma (from another donor who has recovered in the past three months) or any other form of anti-COVID-19 antibodies or have any acute illness that may or may not require hospitalisation are also advised not to take the vaccine immediately and wait for 3 months after complete recovery. Expert medical advice is recommended in these cases.
Patients with bleeding disorders, like haemophilia, should consult their doctors for an expert opinion before taking vaccines. Similarly, patients who have been admitted to hospitals due to bleeding disorders are advised not to get vaccinated before discharge.
Children below the age of 18 are advised not to get vaccinated due to insufficient data about this age group. However, large-scale clinical trials are underway that include all age groups and this data should be available soon.
The improved immunity due to the vaccine will effectively reduce life-threatening complications caused by the novel coronavirus and reduce the number of hospitalisations. If one is adequately protected against the virus, one can also protect those around him/her, especially the elderly, those with a compromised immune system and comorbidities and the healthcare workers. This would, in turn, lead to lowering the load on the Indian healthcare system. Vaccination will also ensure fewer deaths due to COVID-19 complications. If one is getting vaccinated, one should understand the benefits of vaccination and educate others about these benefits.
The vaccinating officer asks patients to wait for half an hour inside the vaccination centre to observe any immediate adverse effects that include severe allergic reaction, increased heart rate, dizziness, swelling up of the face and throat and rashes all over the body.
Mild adverse effects include pain and swelling at the injection site, malaise, fever, body ache and headache. The vaccine officer would advise medication in case of prolonged adverse reactions. However, these reactions only last for a day or two before one is fit enough to move again.
Please remember, getting vaccinated does not mean you will not contract COVID-19 later. It means that even if one gets infected, it will not lead to severe complications/hospitalisation. Thus, continue maintaining safety protocols, wearing masks, frequent washing of hands and social distancing.
DISCLAIMER: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, readers should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for a reader’s situation.
Are you also one of those people who are worried over the shortage of COVID-19 vaccines forcing you to wait for the second dose? Are you also wondering if you may need to restart your vaccine schedule because it has already been months since your first dose?
Well, you do not need to panic yet as the studies and experts suggest that the booster (second) dose works just fine even if you take it after a gap of 4-5 months from the date of your first jab.
When you take the first dose of any COVID-19 vaccine, it triggers an immune response, which stays active even if you delay your booster dose. It, however, doesn’t work at the optimum level and that’s why you need the second dose.
The booster dose basically enhances and increases the immune response of the first dose-response.
Once the first dose of vaccine is taken, our body starts reacting and produces antibodies specific to the vaccine. The amount of time required by the body to produce an immune response may take time, but it triggers the memory cells of the immune system. When the second dose is given the immune response against the vaccine will be much faster and more effective than the first dose. Thus, a delay in the second dose will not harm and does not wear off.
Did you know?
Amid the rising demand and insufficient supply of vaccines, the government has increased the duration between two Covishield doses from 4 to 12 weeks. The decision has been taken after analyzing the data from the international trials, in which the researchers observed the immune response of the vaccinated people from the first dose till the booster jab.
The experts also observed that in some cases where the second dose was administered as late as 12 weeks, the antibodies and immune response from the vaccine were equivalent and comparable.
Some experts believe that from an immunology perspective, researchers always specify a ‘minimum’ interval, not ‘maximum’ between the doses. They believe that any vaccine works better if the gap between the first and the booster dose is slightly longer in most cases.
In the case of Covaxin, the minimum gap of 4-6 weeks remains unchanged. In case the vaccine is not available, it can be delayed but has been mentioned for 28 days but everyone must get their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine even if it is delayed.
Some experts also recommend that people should not think about taking the first dose again if the booster jab has been delayed. Even in children’s vaccination, the norm is to pick up from where the one left off.
Moreover, even children are not recommended a repeat dose of the same vaccine even if they have a weaker immune response. Hence, it should not be done for the COVID vaccination too.
Another expert has claimed that the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, even if delayed, is effective in preventing the infection.
There have been cases where people contracted covid within a few days or weeks of getting their first dose of COVID vaccination. In case a person contracts the infection very close to getting their second COVID-19 dose, here’s what you should do. Remember that the infection helps the body build certain protective antibodies naturally, but we don’t know for sure how long these antibodies last and hence it is advisable to get the second dose of the vaccine after recovering.
You must postpone your vaccination by at least 6 weeks after a mild covid infection. Those with a severe form of illness should consider getting a go-ahead from the doctor first. Make sure you recover well but do not miss the vaccine dose as it will add to your immunity and serve additional purposes.
In the United Kingdom, the recommended gap between the two shots of Covishield is 12 weeks, while Canada has kept it to 16 weeks. A study by Public Health England has proved that the first jab of Covishield is 65 percent effective against symptomatic COVID-19 and 80% against a severe form of the disease.
Some experts even recommend that even if a person gets infected after getting the first dose of the vaccine and takes 6-10 weeks to recover, he/she must take the second jab after 3 months of being completely recovered from the illness.
First of all, you should not worry at all about the revision of the vaccination schedule. The decision has been taken after a thorough analysis of every aspect of the efficacy of the doses. Still, if you are unable to get the vaccine at a government-designated centre, you can always look for a private vaccination centre in your locality and get the vaccine.
The shortage of vaccines may have sparked a wave of fear among the people who have got their first shot of the vaccine, but there isn’t anything to worry about as of now. There would be no need to restart the vaccine schedule even if you have completed 12 weeks from your first dose. Everyone should just focus on getting their second dose as per the government-specified schedule.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The second wave of COVID is sweeping through our country. During such times, we all need to be prepared to deal with any emergency. And for that, you need to have a few COVID helpline numbers at your fingertips.
When you call these helpline numbers, the customer care operative will answer any question you may have on COVID, from the new kinds of COVID symptoms, how to book an RT-PCR test, to which hospitals are taking in COVID patients, the availability of hospital beds and oxygen cylinders. That is why we have assembled help-line numbers for different parts of India. Under the COVID-free India Mission, we are going all out to help you in any way we can to defeat the COVID menace.
Save the list of government helplines. Pass it on to your acquaintances because anyone might be in need of calling up these numbers for aid.
| State | City | Helpline numbers |
| BIHAR | Gaya | 18003456613 |
| Begusarai | 18003456604 | |
| Bhagalpur | 18003456606 | |
| Madhubani | 18003456623 | |
| Muzaffarpur | 18003456629 | |
| Darbhanga | 18003456610 | |
| East Champaran | 18003456624 | |
| Gopalganj | 18003456608 | |
| Jehanabad | 18003456614 | |
| Khagaria | 18003456620 | |
| Nalanda | 18003456119 | |
| Nawada | 18003456615 | |
| J&K | Jammu | 0191-2571912/ 0191-2571616 |
| Kashmir | 0194-2440283/ 2430581/2452052/ 2457313/ 2457312 | |
| Srinagar | 0194-2457543 | |
| Kathua | 019222-34314 | |
| Anantnag | 01932-222255 | |
| Kupwara | 01955-253658 | |
| Budgam | 0195-1255237 | |
| Kulgam | 01931-260388 | |
| Baramulla | 01952-351261/ 7889534245 | |
| JHARKHAND | East Singhbhum | 8987510050 (For bed), 9431301355 (Control room) |
| Jamshedpur | 0657-2440111/ 0657-2221717 | |
| Ranchi | 0651-2200008 (Control room), 0651-2200009 (Ambulance) | |
| PUNJAB | Punjab Control Room | 8872090029 |
| Amritsar | 0183-2535323 | |
| Bathinda | 0164-2212501/ 7087086291 | |
| Ludhiana | 0161-4622276 | |
| SAS Nagar (Mohali) | 7814641397 | |
| KERALA | Covid Helpline DISHA | 0471-2309250/ 52, 0471-2552056/ 1056 |
| Ambulance | 108 | |
| Palakkad | 0491-2505264 | |
| Kozhikode | 0495-2371471 | |
| Ernakulam | 0484-2368802 | |
| Wayanad | 8590902880 | |
| CHENNAI | Covid Helpline | 044-46122300/ 044-25384520 |
| Ambulance | 108 | |
| Covid Care Assistance | 104 | |
| PUNE | Covid Helpline | 020-67801500/ 020-25502110 |
| Ambulance | 9689939381/ 108 | |
| Pune Control Room | 020-26127394 | |
| Pune ZP Control Room | 020-26138082 | |
| PCMC Control Room | 020-67331151/ 020-67331152 | |
| Covid Helpline For Hearse | 9689939628/ 020-24503211/24503212 | |
| GUJARAT | 24/7 Covid Helpline | 079-23250818 |
| Ambulance | 108 | |
| Health Helpline | 104 | |
| KOLKATA | Ambulance | 033-22197202 |
| Covid Helpline | 1800-313-444-222 | |
| Ambulance For All Areas Under KMC & Bidhannagar | 033-40902929 | |
| BENGALURU | West | 080-68248454 |
| South | 8431816718 | |
| Mahadevapura | 080-23010101/ 23010102 | |
| Bommanahalli | 8884666670 | |
| Dasarahalli | 080-29635906 | |
| Overall Bengaluru | Covid Related Queries – 14410 / Ambulance & Emergency – 108 | |
| DELHI | Disaster Helpline | 1077 |
| Women Helpline | 1091 | |
| Child Helpline | 1098 | |
| Doorstep delivery | 1076 | |
| Police | 100 | |
| Fire & Rescue | 101 | |
| Ambulance | 102 | |
| NGMS | 155271 | |
| COVID Helpline Toll-Free | 1075 | |
| COVID Helpline Delhi | 011-22307145 | |
| MUMBAI | Ward A | 022-22700007 |
| Ward B | 022-23759023/ 022-23759025 | |
| Ward C | 022-22197331 | |
| Ward D | 022-23835004 | |
| Ward E | 022-23797901 | |
| Ward F South | 022-24177507/ 8657792809 | |
| Ward F North | 022-24011380/ 8879150447 (Whatsapp) | |
| Ward G South | 022-24219515/ 7208764360 | |
| Ward G North | 022-24210441/ 8291163739 | |
| Ward H East | 022-26635400/ 8879203979 | |
| Ward H West | 022-26440121 | |
| Ward K East | 022-26847000 / 8657933681 |
We will soon be reaching the peak of the second wave. Have patience and do not lose faith. Continue taking all COVID precautions and get vaccinated as soon as possible. Do not ignore the warning signs of COVID and take immediate action.
Disclaimer: The numbers listed here are all government helplines. If your call doesn’t get through for some reason, PharmEasy cannot be held accountable.
We are in the midst of the second wave of COVID-19 and thousands of people are getting infected every day. Naturally, people are worried and stressed. In this circumstance, here’s something for Mumbaikers and Delhiites to help prepare for and deal with a COVID-19 infection in the family. The first thing you need to know is where you can get tested if you suspect that you or someone you know is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. That is why we have put together a list of centres where you can walk in and get tested for COVID-19.
These centres are operating every day of the week and anyone can come in to get tested for COVID-19 for Rs.600 and get a report within 36 hours. No prior registration is required. Here are all the details –
| Centre | Address | Collection hours | Maps Location |
| Nilkanth Medicos, Malad East | Shop No. B-1, Sunshine CHS, Subhash Lane, CTS 416, Near Vaishno Devi Mandir, Malad East, Mumbai 400097 | Monday – Sunday: 10 AM – 6 PM | https://g.page/nilkanth-medico?share |
| Treebo Trend Olive Inn, Kurla | Fortune Arcade, Near EQUINOX Business Park / Bus depot CST, No. 27-A, Lal Bahadur Shastri Rd, Kurla West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400070 | Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/ood8ZyBcgBLxJP8K7 |
| Treebo Trend Amber International, Andheri East | S11 JN Marshall Building Near Akruti Orchid Park, Saki Naka, Andheri East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400072 | Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/6gRyms5mFvWf53Zz8 |
| Treebo Trend Shri Krishna Paradise, Airoli | No.X-1/2, Near Vitava , T.T.C. Industrial Area, Ganpati Pada Near Vitava Kalwa, Octroi Naka, Thane – Belapur Rd, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 400605 | Monday – Sunday: 9 AM – 3:30 PM | https://g.page/srikrishna-paradise-hotel?share |
These centres are operating every day of the week and anyone can come in to take the COVID-19 RT-PCR test for Rs.800 only and get a report of the same within 36 to 48 hours. No prior registration is required. Here are all the details –
| Centre | Address | Collection hours | Maps Location |
| Treebo Trend Natraj Yes Please, Paharganj | 1750, Chuna Mandi, Opposite Imperial Cinema, Pahar Ganj, Delhi 110055, New Delhi, Delhi – 110055 | Mon- Sun 12 PM – 6 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/JhrpRARrWaEmGrEN9 |
| Treebo Trend Nysha Palace, Mahipalpur | A206 / B, Road No. 4, Lane No.9, Mahipalpur, Delhi – 110037 | Mon- Sun 12 PM – 6 PM | https://goo.gl/maps/PtSVAJ6k4EbooJqq7 |
Share this with your friends and relatives now! Anyone in need can go through this vital information and get tested without any hassle.
Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test can detect coronavirus viral RNA in our mucus membrane. When the coronavirus enters the body, it leaves traces of its RNA in the mucus of the nose and throat. Samples of this mucus are collected and analysed to see if the person has COVID-19.
COVID-19 RT-PCR test is recommended when a person experiences the symptoms of COVID-19. New and old symptoms include –
Speak with your doctor and act according to his/her instructions.
If the person suspected to have contracted COVID-19 is feeling too unwell or weak, you can book a home sample collection. Click here to get your online booking form for getting tested in Mumbai.
Stay home to stay safe. Wear double masks when you have to go out, use your hand sanitiser frequently and maintain social distancing. Follow the COVID-19 protocol and save this information in case you or your loved ones need it.
Keep your health in your own hands.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
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