As fear of the third wave of coronavirus looms large in India, we have with us Dr. Pavithra Venkatagopalan, Ph.D., Microbiology and Coronavirus Studies, and the Director – Covid Task Force Awareness, Rotary Club of Madras Next-Gen, to answer all your queries surrounding the vaccines and its process.
As India is coming out of a debilitating second wave of COVID-19 infections and fatalities, citizens are now putting aside their initial reservations towards coronavirus vaccines. COVID-19 vaccine adoption is on the rise, which is a very positive development indeed.
History time and again demonstrates that immunization is a powerful and effective public health intervention that has successfully prevented diseases including smallpox and polio. Notably, thanks to vaccines, smallpox has been eradicated and polio cases have been reduced by 99.9 percent (wild poliovirus only continues to circulate in Afghanistan and Pakistan). And now, once again, we see how immunizations are mitigating the impact of COVID-19. By significantly reducing the number of people requiring serious medical intervention, COVID-19 vaccinations are ultimately easing the burden on the country’s healthcare infrastructure.
However, several questions andconcerns still surroundthe vaccines and the vaccination process. As the government intensifies vaccination drives across states, rampant misinformation and fake news are also on the rise, leaving people continually anxious and confused as they check multiple sources to try to find the most current and accurate information.
To address some of the most prominent questions that continue to surface, we spoke with coronavirus expert Dr Pavithra Venkatagopalan, PhD, Microbiology and Coronavirus Studies, and the Director -Covid Task Force Awareness, Rotary Club of Madras Next-Gen to get some answers:
I have a pre-existing medical condition do I need to consult my doctor before getting vaccinated?
Based on vaccine manufacturer guidelines and what we’ve learned over the course of the last few months of vaccination drives, if you have a condition like diabetes or asthma that is well-controlled by medication then you are likely a good candidate to get vaccinated. However, if your illness is severe, requiring frequent medical supervision, you certainly ought to consult with your doctor before getting vaccinated.
I am pregnant/lactating, should I get vaccinated?
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has approved the vaccination of pregnant women against Covid-19. Please consult your doctor to understand the risks and benefits. The vaccination has no impact on lactation or breastfeeding.
Can side-effects of the vaccine cause blood clots and even death?
Every vaccine may potentially have side effects. The statistical odds of COVID-19 vaccines resulting in blood clots or death are even lower than getting injured while crossing the road. According to guidance from the government of the United Kingdom, while there have been reports of an extremely rare condition involving blood clots and unusual bleeding after vaccination (with a particular coronavirus vaccine), this condition indeed remains extremely rare (just over 10 in one million), and the relevant cases are being carefully reviewed. It is overwhelmingly safe to get vaccinated.
I have tested positive; do I still need to get vaccinated?
The answer to this question is YES. Please be aware that the duration of immunity that comes about as a result of having recovered from COVID-19 is variable. It is our current understanding that the body has this immunity for about three months. The vaccine can augment this immunity, thus protecting you further. So, our current recommendation is, if you have had coronavirus, do get yourself vaccinated three months after your recovery.
I just underwent surgery; can I get vaccinated?
While it is generally advisable to get the vaccine as soon as possible, it all depends on the surgical procedure you have undergone, and you should ideally consult your doctor about it.
Is there a need to take the second dose after 12 weeks?
Current research-based evidence suggests you should take a second vaccine dose for COVID-19 anywhere from 28 days to 12 weeks after your first vaccine dose, depending on which vaccine you receive.
If you received Covishield, the current gap between the two doses is 12 to 16 weeks.
If you received Covaxin, the current gap between the two doses is 28 days to four weeks.
For maximum protection against COVID-19, it’s important to take both doses of whichever vaccine you initially received.
Has the vaccine gap been increased to help bridge vaccine shortage gaps?
In short, no. Please see the response to the previous question regarding optimal dosing time frames for both coronavirus vaccines.
Will the third wave be more devastating for children?
Currently, there is a WhatsApp message in circulation speculating on a possible third wave of COVID-19 that will specifically impact children. However, there does not seem to be any scientific evidence to suggest that children are any more likely to sustain COVID-19 infection than any other group, and so the WhatsApp message is without merit. Nevertheless, we can reduce the chances of children falling ill by making sure all adults are vaccinated as soon as possible and by ensuring everyone follows COVID-appropriate behavior.
Can a COVID-19 vaccine for children be expected by the end of this year?
Currently, vaccines are available for children in the age group of 12 to 15 in different countries. In India, clinical trials are underway for Zydus Cadila and Pfizer. Based on the results of these trials, there is a possibility of one or more of these vaccines becoming available for children by the end of this year. As the pandemic continues to evolve, so too will safety protocols over time. In the meanwhile, it is absolutely essential to mask up, wash your hands, maintain physical distance and get vaccinated, as well as avoid any behavior that can be labeled as ‘risky’!
India has undertaken one of the world’s largest vaccination drives and has administered over 477 million doses of coronavirus vaccine to date1. However, India’s journey towards complete immunization by the end of 2021 is going to be an uphill battle, and as we work to ensure the availability, affordability, and accessibility of the vaccines for everyone, we must also work to encourage everyone to proactively get vaccinated.