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COVID-19 Vaccinations: A Quick Guide

What Is the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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.

Symptoms of Covid-19

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:

  1. Fatigue
  2. Fever
  3. Cough
  4. Loss of smell and taste

You may also experience other symptoms such as:

  1. A runny nose
  2. Chills
  3. Vomiting
  4. Diarrhoea
  5. Muscle ache
  6. Rashes
  7. Shortness of breath
  8. Sore throat

How to Prevent the COVID-19 Infection?

You can prevent getting infected by the SARS-CoV-2 virus by following these instructions:

  1. Avoid crowds and places that are not well ventilated.
  2. Maintain six feet distance from anyone, especially if the person is sick or is displaying specific symptoms.
  3. Wear a proper face mask both indoors and in public places.
  4. Cover the mouth and nose while sneezing and coughing.
  5. Avoid touching any part of your face.
  6. Regularly wash your hands with soap for a minimum of twenty seconds or use an alcohol-based sanitiser.
  7. Disinfect all surfaces prone to exposure before touching with hands.
  8. Stay and get treatment at home if you are sick and avoid travelling to places.
  9. Get vaccinated if you are above eighteen years of age.

What Are the Different Types of Vaccines Available and How Do They Work?

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:

1. mRNA Vaccines

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.

2. Vector vaccines

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.

3. Protein sub-unit vaccines

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.

Common Side Effects Post-Vaccination

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:

  1. On the arm of the vaccine shot:
    1. Redness
    2. Swelling
    3. Pain
  2. Rest of the body
    1. Headache
    2. Tiredness
    3. Fever
    4. Chills
    5. Muscle pain
    6. Nausea 

Myth Busters About mRNA and Viral Vector COVID-19 Vaccines

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:

  1. Live COVID-19 viruses are not used in any form of vaccination.
  2. Live viruses are not used in mRNA and viral vector vaccines.
  3. The mRNA of the mRNA vaccines does not enter the nucleus of our cells which host our genetic material.
  4. Genetic material delivered by the viral vector vaccine does not get integrated into our DNA.
  5. Subunit vaccines use only a harmless part of the virus for building immunity.

What Are One-Shot and Two-Shot Vaccines?

Some vaccines that have been manufactured require more than one shot to develop adequate immunity in the body. These are:

  1. One-shot COVID-19 vaccine. One of the vaccines that require only one shot is the Johnson and Johnson’s Jannsen vaccine, wherein you obtain complete immunity two weeks after the shot.
  2. Two shot COVID-19 vaccines. Vaccines such as Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, Sputnik, Covishield and Covaxin are some of the vaccines that require two shots to be completely vaccinated. Therefore, you are considered to gain complete immunity two weeks after the second shot of the vaccine.

What Is the Bottom Line?

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.

All You Need to Know About India’s COVID Vaccination Drive

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.

How does a vaccine work?

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:

Which vaccine to take?

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).

Who is eligible for vaccination?

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.

Who is not eligible for vaccination?

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.

What are the benefits of getting vaccinated?

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.

What are the side effects of vaccines?

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.

What To Do Before, During And After Getting The COVID-19 Vaccine?

After a long, stressful encounter with the COVID-19 virus, the entire world is finally relieved to get access to the vaccines. Getting a Covid-19 vaccine is essential as it protects one against the COVID-19 virus. The approved vaccines have been carefully evaluated for safety and efficacy. Furthermore, they also make the infection less severe even if you contract the virus after vaccination.

As you get jabbed at your turn, you must know the expected side effects and practice the safety protocols before and after vaccination. We have some crucial tips for you as you await your turn to be vaccinated.

The process of getting registered for vaccination:

The availability of vaccines in India is the light at the end of the tunnel. You may be curious to know more about the types of vaccines available. Here are a few things you should know as you prepare to register for the vaccine.

Tips to follow before vaccination

Once you have registered yourself and got an appointment for vaccination, here are some simple and valuable tips for you:

Carry the ID you used for registration. Visit the centre wearing a double mask and maintain physical distance. Note the type of vaccine you received, as it would serve as a guide to book an appointment for the second dose.

Tips to follow during vaccination:

All COVID-19 vaccines are administered in the same way. The vaccine will be injected into the muscle in your upper arm and should not take longer than a few seconds. During vaccination, you must-

Tips to follow after vaccination:

Here are some valuable tips that will help you after vaccination:

Conclusion:

Remember that the vaccine is merely a prick. Try to overcome your nervousness and anxiety while getting injected. Collect your certificate of vaccination or download it from the Co-Win site. Be responsible citizens and get vaccinated when your turn comes.

Although you have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, remember to take preventive measures, especially in public places. Remember that vaccination does not ensure complete immunity. So continue wearing masks and follow safe hygiene practices for self-protection and prevent virus transmission. Take both doses according to the schedule and encourage other people to get vaccinated. Stay safe, stay strong!

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.

Worried About the Delay for 2nd Dose of the COVID Vaccine? Know All About It

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.

How Do the Vaccine Doses Work?

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?

Why has the Government Increased the Duration Between the Two Doses?

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.

What Do Other Experts Say?

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.

What If You Contract Covid Between Shots?

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.

What Else Do We Know?

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.

How Can We Ensure Getting the Vaccine in Time?

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.

Takeaway

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.

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Side Effects Of COVID Vaccine- What To expect?

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

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

Post-Vaccination side effects

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

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

Why do we experience side effects?

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

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

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

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

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine

Some of the common side effects seen in any vaccination:

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

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

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

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

Post-vaccination

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

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

Conclusion

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

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

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

Continue to follow safety protocols even if vaccinated:

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

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

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

 · Do not touch your face with filthy hands.

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

 · Disinfect commonly touched surfaces every day.

Contact your doctor if the fever persists:

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

 · Monitor your body temperature if symptoms progress.

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

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A Real Story Of The First COVID Vaccine Experience

Since May 1st, 2021, the Government of India has opened up vaccines for those between the ages of 18 and 44. From that day onwards, anyone 18+ could get themselves registered on the CoWIN website to set up an appointment for getting vaccinated. However, due to shortages in the supply of vaccines, people often found that they weren’t able to get confirmed bookings for that elusive shot.

Many people have been confused and frustrated in the past few days over this issue. PharmEasy spoke to one person in this 18+ category who persevered and managed to get through these hurdles and successfully got vaccinated. Here is what he has to say about the whole experience – 

Q 1- What was the procedure that you followed to register for the vaccine?

I went to the Cowin website and got registered, then it was a waiting game. I followed ”mybmc” (Bombay Municipal Corp) on Twitter constantly as they regularly post information on slots opening, centres, etc. So, I was up to date on the latest information. 10 mins before the website opened I was ready. Based on the information I gathered from following mybmc on Twitter, I was able to quickly select an appointment time and confirm. In that sense it was hassle-free.

Q 2- How did you get a slot for the vaccine?

I simply selected from the website for the available slot and confirmed it.

Q 3- Was there any queue at the vaccine centre/camp that you visited? – 

I reached the vaccination centre half an hour later than my scheduled time. I had to carry a soft copy/hard copy of my Aadhaar card and show it upon arrival. Then one receives a pre-printed slip and proceeds forward. 2 nurses were there to guide me during the procedure. After getting the vaccine I was sent to the observation room and was there for 30 minutes.

Q 4- How was the overall process for your vaccination? 

Though I was late, the whole process went pretty smoothly. 

Q 5- Can you share your post-vaccination experience?

I experienced some of the normal side effects and got a fever, and body ache, cold and cough that night. But by the next day, I was perfectly fine and got back to my normal routine. 

Q 6- Did you experience any side effects? If yes, which?

Well about 10:30 pm – 11 pm I had a fever and body ache. The next morning I felt weak but my temperature was back to normal. I was given a strip of paracetamol to manage these symptoms. I advise all those reading this to please stay hydrated, have proper food and for at least 4 days after getting vaccinated, avoid drinking or smoking.

Q 7- What precautions did the technicians/doctors ask you to take between your first and second dose?

The normal Covid-19 protocols, staying home, keeping up a healthy diet, wearing a mask and maintaining social distance as per usual. 

While there are bound to be technical issues with the website and getting a slot booked, don’t give up and try your best. Keep an eye out for local news from official sources regarding slots and timings, be patient and keep at it. 

Everyone needs to get vaccinated as soon as possible, especially the older citizens as well as those who are at high risk. The sooner we get people vaccinated, the faster India will be able to fight and overcome COVID-19! Wear a mask, maintain social distance and keep following the normal COVID-19 guidelines to protect yourself and those 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.

Oxygen Concentrators – How Are They Helping The COVID-19 Patients?

As India is grappling with the Coronavirus pandemic, people are running from pillar to post to arrange hospitals, ICU beds, life-saving medications, ventilators and most importantly ‘oxygen’, to save their loved ones. 

Arranging these basic necessities is so tough today because the availability of all these things is way less than what the country requires to win this battle.

In these testing times, Oxygen Concentrators have turned out to be a ‘saviour’ for the people who are mildly affected with COVID-19 and are trying to recover in home isolation, owing to the shortage of hospital beds.

What is an oxygen concentrator?

An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that is generally bigger than a computer monitor. It works by concentrating oxygen from the ambient air and aiding the patient in breathing easily. 

How does it work?

In today’s polluted world, atmospheric air contains about 78 percent nitrogen and 21 percent oxygen. The last one percent consists of various other gases.

An oxygen concentrator sucks this atmospheric air, filters it through a sieve/filter and releases the nitrogen back into the atmosphere. The filtered oxygen is given to the patient through a cannula.

The studies have shown that these concentrators produce 90-95 percent pure oxygen. The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2015 stated, ”Concentrators can operate and produce oxygen 24 hours a day continuously and may last up to five years.”

When does a patient need concentrators?

As the majority of the states in India are facing scarcity of oxygen right now, people should start taking the help of concentrators when their oxygen saturation level drops below 94 percent. Notably, oxygen saturation level between 94-100 percent is considered safe and healthy.

These concentrators are effective on patients whose saturation level doesn’t drop below 90 percent, but they can be of help even for those with oxygen saturation dropping as low as 85 percent. Patients, whose oxygen level drops below this point, will require a better flow of oxygen than these concentrators can offer.

How good are these concentrators?

The experts claim that oxygen concentrators are not as good as Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO), which are 99 percent pure and are a good option for mild to moderate COVID-19 patients, whose oxygen saturation level is at 90 percent or above.

The experts say that these are not appropriate for ICU patients.

What are the types of oxygen concentrators?

Basically, there are two types of concentrators – Continuous flow and Pulse dose.

Continuous flow concentrators keep supplying the same flow of oxygen every minute if they are not turned off. The pulse dose concentrators are a little smarter and read the breathing pattern of the patient and release O2 on detecting inhalation. In the second type, the per-minute oxygen dispensation will vary.

How are these different from oxygen cylinders and LMO?

These are the best alternatives of the cylinders and LMO, which are very tough to be transported and stored. Moreover, cylinders require to be refilled but concentrators can keep producing oxygen for up to five years or more, using just the ambient air and a power source.

The only drawback with the concentrators is that they can only supply 5-10 litres of oxygen per minute, while the critical patients may require 40-45 litres per minute.

How much do they cost?

The cost of these concentrators varies depending upon how much oxygen they produce per minute. Their cost may vary between Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 90,000 in different markets.

What to check while renting or buying oxygen concentrators?

As per the experts, if a patient is given one-litre oxygen through a concentrator, the oxygen percentage in the lungs shoots up to 24 percent, while with two litres, it reaches 28 percent and with 10 litres, it rises up to 60 percent. The oxygen per minute has to be regulated as per the requirement.

The patient must consult a physician to know how many litres per minute of oxygen is needed and a pulse oximeter is also necessary to monitor the oxygen saturation.

The quality of oxygen produced depends upon the number of sieves/filters used in the concentrator and their quality is not measured by their weight but by litre per minute output. The ideal weight of these concentrators is less than 27 kgs.

If the concentrator gets heated while working, the quality of oxygen produced may deplete. Hence, it should be used only when required.

Takeaway

The coronavirus pandemic has given a huge boost to the oxygen concentrator sales in India, as their demand has shot up shockingly. Earlier, where the demand was 40,000 concentrators annually, now it has gone up to 30,000-40,000 a month.

Well, oxygen concentrators have been an essential part of every home in China where there are people over 65 years of age. With COVID-19 infecting an increasing number of people on a daily basis, these concentrators can really help the Indian healthcare system.  

Grab a concentrator and book a test for advanced health checkup.

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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COVID-19 Vaccination Phase 3 Open For 18 Years+ From May 1

In the face of rising COVID cases and the second wave of the pandemic, it was announced that all adults in India, above 18 years of age, will now be able to receive the COVID vaccine. 

This coronavirus vaccine update has been welcomed by both the healthcare industry as well as the common people. At this juncture, if more and more people get vaccinated, it would be easy to bring the second wave under control and reduce the severity of the predicted third wave. 

‘Liberated and accelerated’ Phase 3 COVID vaccination

Phase 1 of the COVID vaccination plan included all people above age 60 as well as people with comorbidities who were allowed to apply for the vaccine. Phase 2 covered everyone aged 45 years and above. Phase 3 is rolling out since the 1st of May. All legal adults (18 years and above) will now be able to register themselves as beneficiaries of the COVID vaccine. Walk-in vaccination has also been allowed now i.e. a person can go to the vaccination centre directly without prior registration or appointment on a digital platform.

Here’s what’s new about Phase 3 COVID vaccination

The nationwide vaccination drive has now been taken up by the central government. The centralised free vaccination policy has now begun, under this the government will provide free COVID-19 vaccine to all Indian citizens above 18 years of age and the Centre would procure 75 percent of vaccines and give them to states for free distribution to all citizens above the age of 18. This will speed up the procurement procedure.

Private hospitals will receive 25% of vaccines which can be availed after the required payment by the eligible candidates.

 Even after you get the COVID vaccine, you must not stop following the COVID protocol. Wearing masks and sanitizing will continue to be important parts of your daily routine because the coronavirus is constantly evolving and new strains could arrive against which our vaccines might not be as effective. Another great way to stay safe is to boost your immunity while staying home.

It is not yet known how long the COVID vaccines will be effective. Unless we have a few more answers, COVID vaccines and precautions will together keep you safe.  

Have you taken your shot of vaccination? If yes, then take good care of your health!

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.

Sputnik V Gets Emergency Use Approval In India

The new COVID-19 strain has derailed the Indian healthcare infrastructure in no time, and our country, which was donating vaccines to the neighbouring nations a few weeks ago, is facing a shortage of the life-saving shots and almost every other facility required to fight this pandemic.

In a huge relief to the people, the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has approved the Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in India. This is the third vaccine India has approved to use against the deadly virus. The earlier two are – Covishield and Covaxin. The former has been developed by the Oxford University-AstraZeneca and Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII) is manufacturing it, while the latter has been developed and manufactured by Bharat Biotech and the National Institute of Virology (NIV).

Who will distribute Sputnik V in India?

Indian pharmaceutical company Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has joined hands with the Russian sovereign fund Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) for carrying out the bridge clinical trials of the vaccine in India, which is the 60th country to approve its use.

When will the distribution of Sputnik V start in India?

The RDIF has confirmed that vaccine distribution will begin by the end of April or in the first week of May.

Who has developed and is manufacturing Sputnik V?

The Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology, backed by the Russian state, has developed the vaccine. The registration of the vaccine in Russia was done in August 2020 as Gam-COVID-Vac, and the “V” in the name of the vaccine stands for alphabet V. The developer has informed that the vaccine can be stored at 2-8 degree celsius.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories has got the contract of distributing up to 250 million doses in India, by importing them. RDIF has also signed a manufacturing contract with Stelis Biopharma, Gland Pharma, Virchow Biotech, Panacea Biotec and Hetero Biopharma to manufacture more than 850 million Sputnik V doses in India. The doses produced in India will be exported across the world.

The production of the vaccine is soon to start at Hetero Biopharma and Panacea Biotec, while the other pharma companies will begin production in September 2021.

How is Sputnik V different from other vaccines?

Sputnik V is an adenovirus viral vector vaccine, which carries viruses especially made containing the coronavirus genes. Some of these types of vaccines make their way into the cells and cause them to produce viral proteins. The others just gradually replicate, travelling through the body with virus proteins on their surface.

How many doses are required?

People have to get two doses of Sputnik V, similar to Covishield and Covaxin. Both the doses have to be administered at least 21 days apart. These are inoculated through injection into the muscle.

What’s the efficacy of Sputnik V?

The Russian vaccine has shown excellent results with an efficacy rate of 91.5 percent. This rate is the highest after Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech’s vaccines. Before giving it the green signal, a bridging trial was conducted in India.

Another positive news is that only 0.1 percent of the vaccine receivers have complained about the side effects.

What’s the price of the vaccine?

In the international market, the Russian vaccine costs around Rs. 750 per dose, but its price in India is still to be decided, as the government is trying to negotiate the pricing with the manufacturer.

Why is it important for India at this time?

The vaccine approval for emergency use in India is very crucial as the second wave of the pandemic has already put India on the back foot in the war against the virus. Many states in the country have been reporting a shortage of vaccines, even when India is all set to expand the vaccination drive.

Which countries are currently using it?

Russia became the first country to start inoculating its citizens with Sputnik V. It is currently being administered in many countries including Pakistan, Egypt, Argentina, Vietnam, Morocco, Bahrain, Jordan, Panama, Mauritius, Hungary, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, the Philippines and Sri Lanka.

Takeaway

With the quickly rising number of cases of COVID-19 in India, approval to Sputnik V for emergency use can come as a boon for the countrymen. We should hope that the first lot of vaccines land in India soon so that the vaccination drive can come back on the right track.

Know your current health status.

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.

What Are Intranasal Vaccines All About?

India has been vaccinating lakhs of people since March. Very soon, vaccines will be available for everyone above 18 years, irrespective of age groups or comorbidities. This brings us to hope at a time when COVID-19 has reared its ugly head again.

What comes as a piece of even more interesting news is that a new kind of medication may soon hit the markets. It’s called the intranasal vaccine for COVID-19.

So what is the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine, can it be trusted and should you opt for it? Let us answer all your questions.

What is the intranasal COVID-19 vaccine?

Intranasal vaccine for COVID-19 is a type of nasal spray/drop like the kind you use when you have a clogged nose. The formulation, of course, is different.

The nasal mucous is the first line of defence and hence very immuno-efficient. Viruses have to breach this wall to enter your body and that is why this membrane is always on high alert. Studies have found that a small dose of antigen delivered into the nasal mucosa can trigger a rapid and powerful immune response. 

So, scientists have formulated the intranasal COVID vaccine. You have to pour a drop or spray into each nostril to help generate antibodies to fight the coronavirus.

What are the advantages of intranasal COVID spray?

First of all, it can be administered by the individual. Secondly, the intranasal vaccine is noninvasive and is not meant to be injected. Also, the intranasal vaccine can boost broad immune response. It is essential to stop both the infection as well as transmission of COVID-19. It is suitable and safe for children and eliminates the risk of needle-related infections and pain. Intranasal vaccines can also be produced in larger batches than other forms of COVID vaccines.

Are intranasal vaccines effective?

The intranasal vaccine can neutralize and generate a quick immune response at the mucosal membrane and stop the further spread of the virus. 

Until the intranasal vaccine is made available, continue to maintain all possible COVID precautions. Wear masks, sanitize your hands and try to maintain social distancing. If you are a senior citizen or have comorbidities, consider getting vaccinated as early as possible.  

Also Read: What are Adenoids? A Comprehensive Overview of Their Function and Importance

Take a shot and stay fit.

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

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