After months of coping with a healthcare crisis of unimaginable proportions, we finally have news that will cheer everyone up! Very soon, even children will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Parents can now breathe a sigh of relief.
To combat the ongoing second wave of COVID-19 and to prevent another escalation or the arrival of the third wave, India has been proactively administering COVID-19 vaccines for months. The goal is to vaccinate the majority of the population by the end of the year.
Till date, only legal adults were eligible for the vaccination. The safety of the vaccine for people below 18 years of age was being researched.
Naturally, parents were worried for the safety of their children and due to this reason schools also could not function as it would pose a tremendous health risk. But the Drug Controller General of India has recently given emergency use approval to another homegrown vaccine- ZyCoV-D, The Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine. It is now the world’s only Covid vaccine that is needle-free and India’s only vaccine that can be administered to individuals in the age bracket of 12 to 18 years.
ZyCoV-D has been developed by one of India’s top pharmaceutical companies Zydus Cadila, based in Ahmedabad under the ‘Mission COVID Suraksha’ programme. The Zydus Cadila vaccine approval by DCGI came on Friday, 20 August. It is the 6th vaccine to receive emergency use approval in India after Covishield, Covaxin, Sputnik V and the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccines.
The Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine is also the first plasmid DNA vaccine for COVID-19 in the world. The Plasmid DNA platform also allows generating new constructs quickly to deal with mutations in the virus, such as those already occurring. The results of the Phase I part of the Phase I/II clinical trial have already been published in the EClinical Medicine Journal of Lancet.
It is a three-dose vaccine, first dose on day 0 followed by the second dose on 28th day and third dose on 56th day.
The COVID-19 vaccine from Zydus Cadila is a needle-free vaccine, it will be applied using the PharmaJet system which can minimise the vaccine hesitation in children due to fear of needles and is also expected to reduce the pain at the site of the vaccine caused in case of injections.
The Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine has to be stored within 2 to 8 degrees temperature but it gives the flexibility of storage temperature. It can tolerate temperatures as high as 25 degrees Celsius which will ease the transportation of these vaccines.
Zydus Cadila COVID-19 vaccine is a plasmid DNA vaccine that will elicit an immune response mediated by cellular and humoral arms of the human immune system, which play a vital role in protection from disease as well as viral clearance.
Parents will want to know how soon they can get their children vaccinated. Zydus Cadila announced that it will be able to roll out the vaccines in 45-60 days from the day of approval. There is no available data on the price of the vaccine.
More Zydus Cadila vaccine updates will stream in soon. For now, we can celebrate the arrival of a 3-dose, needle-free covid vaccine- ZyCoV-D that is considered safe for children in the age group of 12-18, as the safety and efficacy of this vaccine are well established as notified in a press release by Zydus.
Pros and Cons of a DNA Vaccine
Like all other vaccines, Zydus Cadila also comes with its own set of pros and cons which we need to be aware of especially because of its plasmid DNA composition. Read below to know the potential pros and cons of Zydus Cadila.
Pros of Zydus Cadila:
Cons of Zydus Cadila:
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.
Despite the various variants of the coronavirus (like the Delta variant), the world as a whole is slowly but surely moving away from the pandemic. Around the globe vaccination rates are increasing, while Covid-19 related infection, hospitalization and death rates are decreasing.
Along with Covid-19 protocols like hand hygiene, respiratory etiquettes, physical distancing, vaccination is quickly becoming the most powerful tool against Covid-19. There have been many studies over the past year noting the difference between people vaccinated for Covid-19 vs those who are unvaccinated. Vaccination has been shown to drastically lower your risk of getting severe symptoms upon infection, even if breakthrough infections are possible.
Vaccines are not 100% successful, even when fully vaccinated (for Covid-19 or anything else) there is still a small chance you can still get infected. When someone catches the disease that they are fully vaccinated for, it is commonly known as a breakthrough infection. You may be thinking, well then, what’s the point of getting vaccinated if breakthrough infections are possible?
The fact is that currently, hospitalizations and deaths related to COVID-19 are made up overwhelmingly of unvaccinated people. According to the CDC in the USA, deaths and hospitalizations of fully vaccinated people make up just 0.01% of total vaccinated cases. To put that into perspective, if 1 million people got vaccinated, only 100 of those would experience hospitalization or death. The rate of the same in unvaccinated people is much higher.
You have a lower risk of catching COVID-19 if you’re vaccinated and even if you happen to suffer from a breakthrough infection, you’re still at a much lower risk of hospitalisation and death. To be clear, these facts also take into account early data that includes Delta variant cases.
By now it has become common knowledge that all viruses and bacteria mutate and evolve with time in response to vaccines and medicines. Sometimes (not always) these mutations can lead to variants that are more harmful or spread more easily. That happens to be the situation for the Delta variant of the COVID-19 coronavirus.
Many countries started easing on pandemic protocols only to get slammed by new Delta variant cases. We know that vaccines have lower effectiveness with breakthrough Delta variant cases. But still, most vaccines provide substantial protection against the Delta variant than not being vaccinated at all.
Some previously discovered data on Delta variant cases:
The only protection we have against the deadly Delta variant is vaccination. The effectiveness of vaccination may drop to 39% – 95% as compared to its effectiveness against the Alpha variant. But that is still a massive leg-up from being unvaccinated.
People who are vaccinated are not only less likely to get infected (by any variant) but are also less likely to experience severe symptoms. It has been reported that fully vaccinated people experience much milder symptoms (runny nose, congestion, etc) compared to unvaccinated people. Obviously, people with weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of severe disease from COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. But unvaccinated people will have an increased risk of suffering severe symptoms caused by the Delta variant, including fever, difficulty breathing and headaches.
More severe symptoms of COVID-19 will often lead to an increased risk of hospitalization. Unvaccinated people are more likely to need hospital treatment when infected with the coronavirus and its variants. Several factors play into hospitalization rates, such as age, weaker immune systems, other comorbid conditions and which variant infects you. But vaccination seems to benefit people against the Delta variant at some level, regardless of other factors.
Here’s a quick summary to get a gist of vaccination effectiveness against the Delta variant:
Also Read: Omicron Variant vs Vaccine Efficacy
Many people are afraid of the current situation. People fear not only the virus and losing loved ones but also fear vaccine reactions. But getting COVID-19 can lead to major complications while vaccine reactions are mild and last only a couple of days. The enormous body of evidence is painting a clear picture – vaccination is better overall, regardless of variant. It is best to avoid sensationalized, clickbait news sites that try to instil fear about ‘increasing breakthrough infections!’. Breakthrough infections are expected and it is nothing to get agitated about. Besides this, their occurrence is very low. Fully vaccinated people can increase their protection against the Delta variant (and other variants) by continuing to wear a mask, maintain social distance and wash hands regularly. If you are unvaccinated, you need to do the same but also get your vaccination done at the earliest.
Also Read: Omicron Variant: Latest News & Updates
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.
By now many of us have received at least the first dose of any of the approved COVID-19 vaccines. Everyone knows that the COVID-19 vaccines are administered to the upper arms. But have you ever wondered why?
Most vaccines such as those for Hepatitis B, DPT, HPV, are injected into the upper arms, except some like the Rotavirus vaccine or Oral Polio vaccine which is administered orally. But why the arm? Read on to find the answer.
Once the vaccine is administered into the upper arm muscle, it is taken to the nearest lymph nodes. There the vaccine comes in contact with the guardians of the body – the White Blood Cells which function to develop immunity against the vaccine. Your body starts producing antibodies and your immunity is now active and you have a defence mechanism against Coronavirus.
There is a muscle in your upper arm called the deltoid muscle. It is a triangular muscle extending from the shoulder to the upper arm and it helps you lift your arm. COVID-19 vaccines are administered right into the deltoid muscle through the intramuscular route. The deltoid muscles have excellent blood circulation. This leads to quick absorption of the components of the vaccine, maximization of the immune response and at the same time reduces the possibility of severe after-effects of the vaccine.
On top of that, the deltoid muscle injection is easy and fast, which means many doses of the vaccines( to multiple people) can be administered in a short time. This factor is crucial when we are racing against the clock to get the entire population vaccinated by the year-end.
You will also experience less pain at the vaccine administration site.
If it is not possible for a person to take the COVID vaccine in arms due to any reason like missing or amputated arms, he/she can be given the intramuscular shot of COVID vaccine in the thigh region which is also a suitable site for intramuscular injections.
There is no escape from the side effects of COVID-19 vaccines but the side-effects indicate that the vaccine is working. Did you know that one of the most important reasons why COVID-19 vaccines are administered to the upper arm muscle is that the side effects don’t spill over to the nearby muscles and tissues? There will only be localized pain, irritation and inflammation.
Since the deltoid upper arm muscle has a good blood supply, recovery is rapid.
Do not rub the vaccine administration site. Once you come home, you can gently apply a cold compress to the area to dull the pain. Paracetamol can help alleviate pain and discomfort. It is normal for the pain to last at least a week and there may even be some bruising at the site. If pain intensifies suddenly or you notice any other unusual side-effect, contact your doctor.
Vaccination is the only way we can develop herd immunity. COVID-19 vaccines are safe and please do not believe any of the rumours being circulated online. Book yourself and your loved ones a slot. At the same time, continue to maintain COVID safety protocol such as wearing masks and sanitising hands. It doesn’t take much to keep yourself safe.
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 we anticipate the arrival of a deadly third wave of COVID-19, more and more people are being vaccinated in order to prevent the increasing rate of mortality due to the virus. While vaccination may not seem to be the means to prevent COVID-19 re-infection, it is definitely proven to bring down the severity of the infection, the rate of transmission and the need for hospitalisation.
Several studies regarding the vaccine, in all parts of the world, are still on. But one must remember that any of these vaccines available to you are efficient and must not be avoided.
As the name suggests, it means contracting a second time COVID-19 after being infected previously and after recovering from the virus. While quite a few cases of COVID-19 re-infection have been reported, reinfection remains rare.
It is a fact that our immune system can remember certain infections very well but tend to forget others, especially the ones that appear in a changed form may be due to mutation and the emergence of newer variants. In such cases, the antibodies that our immunity produced may not be as responsive as to the originally encountered strain. It is also possible to get an infection with the same strain again, however, there are high chances that your body’s immunity will control the spread of infection and prevent you from getting a severe illness. The severity of illness and complications also depend on other pre-existing medical conditions of a person. It is important to understand that anyone can get reinfection with COVID so, stay safe by following COVID appropriate behaviour and get a full course of vaccination.
Various factors can make a person vulnerable and may increase the risk of COVID-19 re-infection.
Once a person is fully vaccinated, the defence mechanism of the body allows them to recognise the virus and fight it. One must remember that none of these vaccines claims to have 100% efficacy. The only assurance these vaccines provide is that if you get re-infected with COVID-19 once you are fully vaccinated; your infection will be far less severe and symptoms will be mild. The virus has already taken innumerable lives and getting vaccinated is your best bet. But it does not guarantee 100% protection from re-infection.
The Delta variant is a concern for all and studies show that most of the vaccines are effective against it. As the virus has mutated several times, it has become more and more difficult to keep track of it. It has only become stronger, faster and created havoc around the globe.
Another important thing to note here is that it takes about two weeks for your body, after vaccination, to build immunity against the virus. It is possible to contract the virus immediately after getting vaccinated. This is why even if you are fully vaccinated, you must continue to follow the guidelines and COVID-19 appropriate behaviour sincerely.
COVID-19 vaccination not only ensures your safety but also protects people around you as the transmission rate decreases. A higher vaccination rate will make outbreaks less likely and will help to achieve herd immunity. In the long run, It may effectively reduce certain restrictions as well as the socio-economic aftermath of the pandemic.
As we continue to learn more about COVID-19 re-infection, it is critical that we do not question the importance of vaccination. Yes, fully vaccinated people can get re-infected. But they are also capable of fighting it back better than non-vaccinated people. This is a battle we are fighting together and even if there is one unprotected individual, none of us is completely safe. Wear a mask, maintain distance, wash hands frequently and get vaccinated.
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.
We have reached the crest of the second wave of COVID-19. This wave laid bare vulnerabilities of the healthcare services and has taken a tremendous toll on lives, livelihood and psychological health.
Even though it has been months since the vaccination drive started in India, a very small percentage of the population has actually been able to get the COVID-19 jab. On top of that there are many questions to which we don’t know the answer, for example, how long will the vaccines be effective?
Fortunately, we now have an answer to one particular question. Many people have wondered if vaccination in pregnancy is safe. The answer is yes. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare have given the go-ahead to vaccines for pregnant women.
Pregnancy does not increase the possibility of contracting COVID-19. However, studies have found that a COVID-19 infection in a pregnant woman has a higher risk of taking a turn for the worse than in a woman who is not pregnant.
The expecting mother’s health will likely deteriorate speedily and eventually, even the foetus’ health would be affected. That means, both the mother and the developing baby are at risk.
The risk of severe COVID-19 infection increases with the presence of comorbidities and if the woman is over 35 years of age.
Vaccination for pregnant women will drastically reduce the chances of them contracting a severe COVID-19. Just like in any other individual, the COVID-19 vaccine will awaken an immune response in the pregnant woman and her antibodies will be able to detect and kill COVID-19 if she is ever exposed to the virus.
The time of vaccination during pregnancy is flexible. At any point in her pregnancy, she can opt for the COVID-19 vaccine. The benefits of vaccines for pregnant women will be the same whenever she decides to get vaccinated.
Women who have recovered from COVID can also register for the COVID-19 vaccine. They would have to wait for 3 months after recovering from a COVID infection before they can get the vaccine.
The threats are not more substantial for pregnant women. The goal of the new vaccination drive for pregnant women is to let women decide what is the best course of action for them. If you have any concerns regarding vaccination, it is better to consult your doctor, clear your doubts and then get the jab.
Studies have already found that the benefits outweigh the risks. It is in the interests of the woman and her developing baby if she opts for vaccination during pregnancy.
The side-effects of vaccination will be the same for pregnant women as for anyone else:
Your doctor will be able to guide you about the management of any discomfort or side effects arising after vaccination. Do not self medicate.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has instructed state governments to make vaccination available to all pregnant women who want to get vaccinated.
Now any mother-to-be can register on the CoWIN app and book a vaccination slot or she may walk into her nearest COVID Vaccination Centre to get the jab.
With the announcement of making vaccination during pregnancy available, 62% of the nation’s population is eligible to get the COVID-19 shot. This brings us one step closer to attaining herd immunity and winning the war against COVID-19. Continue following COVID-19 protocol even if you have been vaccinated or have recovered from COVID.
Also Read: Foods That Fight Nausea During Pregnancy: Guide For Expecting Mothers
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-19 has devastated the whole world. The death toll is unparalleled and the economic losses are incalculable. The constant threat of contracting COVID-19 and the way it upends life is something that we are forced to live with.
The second wave may be slightly on the decline. We have no inkling about when it will recede entirely. Besides, it is now evident that a third wave is on its way. There is no consensus yet on when it will manifest itself but according to most estimates, it will arrive anytime between September and December.
At such a juncture, vaccination is the only ray of hope. COVID-19 vaccination was kicked off in February and by now people above 18 years of age are legible for the jab.
India has slowly been ramping up vaccination and on June 21st reached an all-time high. All of this comes as heartening news during these dark and uncertain days. Vaccine availability is increasing because by now, municipal offices, healthcare bodies, hospitals and large organizations are planning and executing vaccination drives.
Post vaccination pain is common to all intramuscular vaccines and is not limited to covid vaccine. It is a self limiting pain and very mild.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Despite all efforts being made to speed up vaccination, there are still some people who are loath to take the vaccine. Rumours about the apparent dangers of the vaccine and the severe COVID vaccine side effects abound. Some people are downright terrified of the after-effects that are associated with the vaccines such as fever, body ache, pain at the site of the injection or even slight nausea.
The cobwebs of misinformation can easily be swept away with scientific understanding.
If you experience severe pain at the injection site which lasts beyond 48 hours and is associated with redness, tenderness, burning sensation and a visible lump, it is recommended to visit a physician to get treated.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Most of the after-effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are indications that the vaccine is working! Most people who’ve received one or both the COVID doses have complained of a sore arm. The pain can range from slight discomfort to a level that makes it difficult to operate that arm. These symptoms usually resolve in a few days.
Here are some of the most common COVID vaccine side effects related to the arm:
The COVID-19 vaccine is an intramuscular vaccine. It is usually injected into your deltoid muscle (responsible for giving your upper arm and shoulder their range of movements).
The vaccine that is injected into your body mimics the coronavirus and tricks your immune system into believing that the body is under attack without actually causing an infection. This elicits an immune response that may appear as the COVID vaccine side effects.
When your body senses the vaccine, it triggers a response in the form of inflammation at the site of the jab. Inflammation can cause some redness, swelling and pain and it also means your immunity is active now. This response varies from person to person hence, the post jab symptoms are of different intensity and types in different people.
Another reason why the arm is sore after COVID vaccination and the region swells up is that it has sustained a very tiny needle injury.
COVID vaccine arm pain may last for 5 – 10 days for some, even when the other COVID vaccine side-effects die down. Also, some people have experienced a very mild pain that lasted for a couple of days. The positive note to be kept in mind is that this discomfort is temporary and will go away in a few days but the protection against a serious COVID infection will last for long.
If your sore arm after COVID-19 vaccination is not giving you a moment’s peace, then there are a few ways you can relieve the pain:
The COVID-19 vaccines are our only hope against the pandemic. The COVID vaccine arm pain and the other COVID vaccine side-effects are very short term effects and weigh nowhere near the protection granted by the vaccines. They can save your life! If you haven’t booked a slot yet, do it now.
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 the pandemic still rampant across the country, it does appear to us that it may take a long time due to emerging multiples of virus variants. Some of these variants are silent mutations and are not effective, while the others, like the latest COVID Delta variant B.1.617.2, are increasing the severity of the COVID-19 spread in India. Scientists say that the sudden surge in the COVID-19 cases is because of the additional mutations in B.1.617.2 lineage, leading to a Delta plus variant (AY.1).
The COVID Delta variant was first detected in India and is now a Variant of Concern (VoC) for about 85 countries. The Delta variant is the dominant strain in the UK, comprising 91% of the cases. The Delta plus variant is present in 12 countries and so far 50 cases have been identified in 12 Indian states. According to the statement released by the Union Health Ministry, the COVID Delta plus variant has characteristics like increased transmissibility, stronger binding to lung receptors and decreased monoclonal antibody production.
Although there is a substantial decline in effectiveness, the approved COVID-19 vaccines remain effective against infection and hospitalization due to the Delta variant.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
All the experts worldwide are confident that most of the existing vaccines can deal with the new COVID Delta variant. Although it is 60% more transmissible than the alpha variant, they have observed only around 50 cases of the new variant in the last two months. So, experts opine that there is no need to panic but suggest scaling up vaccination drives across the countries as it is the only practical way to combat the Coronavirus.
Scientists are concerned about the effects because of the mutation on the spike protein of the Delta plus variant. In India, the spread of the COVID Delta variant infection is localised and sporadic. However, it mainly spreads to the unvaccinated populations and it affects the most vulnerable individuals who suffer severe illness and have chronic infections.
Most of the vaccines developed are active against the alpha strand of the COVID-19 virus. Therefore, the COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy is a concern for the Delta variant, which has led to the public being apprehensive about getting vaccinated. The effectiveness of vaccines, which was up to 94% for the alpha variants, has been reduced to about 60% – 70% for Delta variants. Moreover, the clinical trials of the Novavax vaccine and Sputnik V vaccine are still in process for the Delta variant.
COVID-19 vaccines give you protection against serious illness caused by the original strain of the virus and the viruses variants that cause COVID-19, many developed across the world are bringing in seasonal flu and covid vaccinations to continue building herd immunity.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
The Delta variant is more resistant to existing vaccines than other COVID-19 variants. It is estimated that the Delta variant may present mild illness in people who received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to the research data published in Lancet, two weeks after the second dose, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine – Covishield in India – is showing 60% efficacy against the Delta type while the Pfizer/BioNTech seems to be around 88%.
The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were only 33% effective three weeks after the first dose against the Delta variant. The Covaxin of Bharat BioTech, Sputnik V and Novavax vaccines were also reported to be effective against the Delta variant but it is not known to what extent. Other studies by Public Health England (PHE) suggest that the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine has shown 94% effectiveness after hospital administration of one dose and 96% after the second dose. The Covishield vaccine efficacy was 71% and 92%, respectively.
Despite the various COVID-19 vaccines in the market, it takes time to decide the best among them. Efficacy is usually denoted as the percentage reduction of the disease in people who received the vaccination, whereas the effectiveness can be compared after administering different vaccines to the same populations. For instance, Pfizer and AstraZeneca have similar effectiveness and they reliably prevent COVID-19 symptoms, hospitalisation and death even after a single dose.
Regardless of the statistical figures, the studies and the clinical trials are ongoing to determine the existing COVID-19 vaccine’s efficacy against the COVID Delta variant. Researchers at the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) have cultured the COVID Delta variant and are now testing in the laboratory to check the performance of the COVID-19 vaccines against the Delta variant. Though researchers test a range of doses, schedules and combinations of vaccines, it is sometimes difficult to conclude how long the vaccine-mediated immunity will last.
It is not simply possible to compare the results alone. In order to rank the vaccines, one must consider their reported effectiveness, supplies and logistics costs, the durability of the protection they offer and their ability to resist emerging viral variants. Nevertheless, the best vaccine is the one you can get immediately.
The global pandemic is emerging with distinct viral variants of concern. Mutations that alter immunogenicity, virulence and pathogenicity can lead to the new strain. As new strains emerge because of coronavirus mutations, the only reliable measure to stay safe is to get vaccinated and follow COVID appropriate behaviour.
There have been cases in India wherein fully vaccinated individuals were affected by the COVID-19 Delta variant. But the majority of these individuals were able to make full recovery. Therefore, vaccination protects to an extent.
Getting both shots of the vaccine and maintaining social distancing not only ensures your safety but prevents the creation of new strains through mutation as well.
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute 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.
Covid-19 has continued relentlessly in the country and the world for the last year and a half. Currently, the nation is battling the second wave of the pandemic, with over two lakh new Covid-19 cases being registered daily in India. Though the curve for the second wave is at its declining phase now, it has left us worrying and speculating the third wave. This could mean another surge in the number of infections at the national level.
However, there is good news about the Covid-19 vaccine. More than four crore Indians have been fully vaccinated and at least nineteen crores have received their first dose. The present eligibility status for the vaccines is eighteen and above and it includes lactating mothers. Also, India has reported clotting and bleeding in just 6 out of 10 million doses of Covishield administered. So, are you a Covid-19 survivor considering whether or not to take the vaccine? Read on to find your answers.
Getting vaccinated is one of the surest ways for a person to gain immunity against Covid-19. But what about a person who has recently contracted the infection? Can they delay getting the vaccine jab or do they need to hurry?
Though the chances of being infected with Covid-19 twice are slim, getting the jab will effectively reduce such risks that can complicate your case. The vaccine also protects you from the mutant variants of the virus. Thus, even if you have caught the virus and are presently immune to it because of the presence of post-infection antibodies, the vaccine will help to further boost protection. Thus, it is wise not to ignore getting the vaccine.
Think of the vaccine as a way to get longer-lasting, consistent immunity against Covid-19 India because there is no concrete evidence on how long the post-infection immunity lasts. Besides, you need the Covid-19 vaccine post-infection because you might be an asymptomatic carrier and inadvertently spread the virus further.
Vaccines for the general public are to be scheduled as and when available. But those who have recently tested positive or are in recovery after contracting the virus can delay the vaccination for several weeks. Past infections with coronavirus give natural immunity to a person for a while, though the exact timeframe is yet to be known.
As per the recommendations of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19, patients who have already been infected can take the vaccine three months after their recovery. Those who have been infected after getting their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine also need to wait for three months before getting their second dose.
The usual timeframe for the vaccine is also worth mentioning in this regard. In the case of Covishield, after four weeks have passed, the next dose can be taken whenever possible, but within eight weeks. The earlier limit for Covishield was six weeks, but it has now been extended to eight weeks. The second dose of Covaxin can be taken between four to six weeks after the first. It is essential to state that vaccine doses are safe no matter when you take them. However, the effects are not as pronounced if taken within a month of getting the first dose.
The country is also facing a shortage of vaccines despite doubling production recently. So, delaying your dose by three months is not an issue if you have been infected with the virus before.
The connection between the vaccine for Covid-19 and blood clots is a highly discussed topic at present. As per a report submitted by the National AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunisation) Committee to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, there is a very minuscule but definitive risk of thromboembolic events following vaccination.
Instances of bleeding and clotting stand at 0.61 for every million doses, which the committee says is in line with the expected number of diagnoses of such conditions. In fact, it is way lower than the four cases per million reported by the Medical and Health Regulatory Authority (MHRA) of the United Kingdom. In preparing the report, the AEFI committee completed an in-depth case review of 498 serious and severe events, of which 26 cases have been reported to be potentially thromboembolic.
The term thromboembolic refers to the formation of a clot in a blood vessel that might also break loose and be carried by the bloodstream to plug another vessel. The complications arising from this can be life-threatening, such as heart attack or stroke. The symptoms of the condition include:
Such symptoms occur within twenty days of taking a vaccine shot, particularly of Covishield. AEFI reported that there were no potential thromboembolic events reported following the administration of the Covaxin vaccine.
However, it is also important to remember that Covishield has definite benefits in terms of preventing and reducing the severity of the infection. More than thirteen crore doses of Covishield have already been administered in the country.
It is important to take the vaccine after recovery, provided you follow the minimum waiting period of at least three months after recovery. The vaccines are safe and effective with a good immunogenic response against the Covid-19 virus. Be prudent and get your vaccine when your turn comes.
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.
COVID-19 is a viral infection caused by a family of viruses called the Coronaviruses, resulting in specific flu-like symptoms such as common cold and fever. These viruses have also been the causative agents, earlier for the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), which had plagued certain parts of the world not many years ago.
COVID -19, the new coronavirus strain, was identified in China and spread from being an epidemic to a pandemic of enormous proportions. The viral strain is now known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and due to its origin in 2019, was named COVID-19. The full form of COVID-19 is Coronavirus disease 2019.
The symptoms and signs of COVID-19 would generally appear within the first two weeks of contact and infection with the virus. The common symptoms of the viral infection are:
You may also experience other symptoms such as:
You can prevent getting infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus by following these instructions:
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Pfizer and Moderna, among a few other vaccines for immediate administration in the United States of America. Similarly, in India too vaccines such as Covishield and Covaxin have been approved for administration.
Each vaccine is different in terms of offering protection and immunity to the body. The body is triggered to generate a ”memory” B and T-lymphocytes expected to offer lasting immunity.
Hence, the body takes a few weeks to produce the B and T-lymphocytes. In some cases, the vaccinated individual may also experience fever and body pain in developing immunity. Rest assured, these signs are entirely normal.
Immunity can be triggered to generate these specific cell types by vaccinating. In this regard, several vaccine types have been developed. Presently, there are three main types of COVID-19 vaccines recommended. These are:
mRNA is the coding genetic material of the body that is directly transcribed into proteins. Therefore, the mRNA vaccines contain the virus’s genetic material that carries instructions to transcribe a harmless unique protein.
When recognised by the body’s defence mechanism, this protein is destroyed, followed by the generation of the protein in the body to destroy viral protein The cells develop a memory to identify it in the event of an infection.
Vector vaccines are a modified version of another virus that closely resembles SARS-Cov-2. The genetic material inside the shell of the modified virus contains a segment of SARS-CoV-2 and is hence called a viral vector. When injected, the genetic material is transcribed into a protein. The body’s immune system eliminates the foreign protein and generates the memory of B and T-lymphocytes for any infection in the future.
As the name suggests, the protein subunit vaccines are harmless segments of the viral protein instead of the whole viral protein injected into the body. The immune system recognises the foreign protein and builds the memory repertoire for any future infections.
The COVID-19 vaccine builds immunity post-vaccination. Despite the apparent benefits, you may experience some side effects post-vaccination, which are entirely normal. These side effects last only a couple of days and may mildly affect your daily activities. These side effects are:
The arrival of new forms of vaccines has been accompanied by many common myths that have prevented many people from getting vaccinated. Some of the myth busters are outlined here. These are:
Some vaccines that have been manufactured require more than one shot to develop adequate immunity in the body. These are:
The bottom line is that out of all the precautions, vaccinations are considered a step closer to protection than the other preventative measures. It is vital for people who are ill or have comorbidities and can significantly reduce mortality.
Therefore, post-vaccination, you may be able to perform a lot more activities than you could before vaccination. This, however, does not rule out the fact that you must not let your guard down. You must continue to observe all measures, not just for yourselves but also for the people around you.
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-19 has gripped the country and we all need to come together in order to put the pandemic behind us. The best contribution we all can make together in these trying times is to get everyone vaccinated as soon as possible. The Government of India has invited the participation of private companies to accelerate vaccination across the country. From 1st May 2021, all legal adults (above the age of 18) have become eligible to get vaccinated.
PharmEasy’s motto has been ”Simplifying Healthcare & Impacting Lives”. In order to support the country in fighting the pandemic, we are launching the biggest COVID-19 vaccination drive. With this drive, we plan to do our humble bit in furthering the clarion call of ”Teeka Utsav” given by our Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, to immunize the country, at an accelerated pace.
We aim to vaccinate over 3 crore families via 5,000 partner centres, PAN India in the next few quarters. We will leverage our presence across India, with over 80,000 partner retailers, 5,000 doctors and a state-of-the-art pharma supply chain facility enabling last-mile delivery of cold chain products.
We have been overwhelmed with the response so far. Over 50 lakh individuals and 750 organisations have already made a soft commitment to vaccinate themselves and their respective families in the last 24 hours alone, with many more joining us each minute.
PharmEasy invites all Individuals, Housing Societies, Corporates, Registered Welfare Associations and NGOs to register for the vaccine using the following link: Registration Link.
Once you register, our team will update you about the same as soon as the vaccine doses are available in your vicinity, along with other relevant details about the date and location of the vaccination centre.
Some crucial information pertaining to the drive:
Vaccination is the only way of putting the pandemic behind us. Let us all come together, get vaccinated and be a part of COVID-free India soon.
Post-registration, we will reach out to you regularly through SMS, email or voice calls. Sadly we will not be able to take any inbound calls regarding the vaccination drive and you will have to wait for us to get back to you, given the sheer scale of the effort we are undertaking. Disclaimer: Please note that registering with us does not guarantee you a slot immediately. While we will try to get as many vaccinations done as possible, we might not be able to serve everyone, given the extensive registrations we are witnessing. You’ll be contacted once a vaccination centre opens up in your area and we are able to get you a slot. We are not charging any fee for online registration, nor will anyone from our team reach out to you for any kind of payments/advances. In the meanwhile, we do not want to stop anyone from registering with any other vaccination centres and getting yourselves and your loved ones vaccinated. The vaccines will only be provided in line with the GOI guidelines which will be released soon.
You need to know that it is equally important to take care of your health. Therefore, stay ahead and book a test.
