Although experts are still learning a lot about the COVID-19 vaccines, there are
some clear benefits to getting vaccinated.
The vaccine reduces your risk of infection.
Once you receive your first shot, your body begins producing antibodies to the coronavirus. These
antibodies help your immune system fight the virus if you happen to be exposed, so it reduces your chance
of getting the disease. There are three vaccines available for use in the United States, and they are all
effective in preventing infection.
It’s true that you can still become infected after being vaccinated, but once more of the population is
vaccinated, those chances are further reduced thanks to something called herd immunity. So getting
vaccinated not only reduces your chance of being infected, it also contributes to community protection,
reducing the likelihood of virus transmission.
The vaccine can help your unborn baby or newborn.
Studies have found that expectant mothers who receive the COVID-19 vaccine create antibodies to the virus
and pass those to their unborn baby through the placenta. Mothers were also shown to pass antibodies to
their newborns through breast milk. This suggests those newborns have some immunity to the virus, which is
especially important as young children cannot get the vaccine.
Vaccines available around the worldwide:
•COVAXIN
It is recommended that the 2nd dose of COVAXIN should be administered in the interval of 4 to 6 weeks from
the date of 1st dose administration.
•COVISHIELD
the recommended interval is 4 to 8 weeks while an interval of 6 to 8 weeks gives an enhanced
protection.
•Corbevax:
Biological E's Covid-19 vaccine Corbevax is administered through intramuscular route with two dose
schedule of day 0 and 28
•Covovax:
Covovax vaccine of Serum Institute of India is administered through intramuscular route with two dose
schedule of day 0 and 21
•moderna vaccine
you must give a gap of at least 21 days between moderna vaccine doses. you can ask the doctor about this
while applying the vaccine. patient should have a second dose at least 3 weeks after the first dose of the
vaccine.
•Novavax vaccine
SAGE recommends the use of the Novavax (NVX-CoV2373) vaccine as 2 doses (0.5 ml) given intramuscularly.
The two doses should be administered with an interval of 3-4 weeks.
•Sputnik V
minimum interval between the first and second vaccine shots from the earlier approved 21 days up to three
months.
•Sputnik light
Sputnik light is a single dose COVID 19 vaccine
•Zydus Cadila's
The three-dose vaccine will be given on day zero, day 28th and then on the 56th day
•Johnson & Johnson
1 primary dose
1 booster dose, at least 2 months after the primary dose
Currently due to the emergence of various new variant of Covid-19, citizens above 60 years and later
on above 45 years of age are advised to take the booster dose as soon as possible.
What you need to know before, during and after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine
Before you go:
Do your research. There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines online, so it’s important to always get
your information from trustworthy sources like UNICEF and WHO. If you have any questions about whether you
should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your doctor.
At present, people with the following health conditions should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine to avoid any
possible adverse effects:
If you have a history of severe allergic reactions to any ingredients of a COVID-19 vaccine.
If you are currently sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 (although you can get vaccinated once you
have recovered and your doctor has approved).
Talk to your doctor. If you’ve ever experienced a severe allergic reaction from any vaccine or you have
any questions about the medications you are currently taking, talk to your health care provider before
your appointment.
Take care of yourself. Get a good night’s rest and hydrate well before your vaccination so you can feel
your best on the day.
During the appointment
Stay safe. Make sure to follow safety precautions at the vaccination facility such as physical distancing
while waiting and wearing a mask.
Communicate. Let the health care professional know if you have any medical conditions that could be
considered precautions, such as pregnancy or a compromised immune system.
Keep your records. You should receive a vaccination card that tells you which COVID-19 vaccine you
received, when you received it and where you received it. Make sure to hold on to this card in the event
that you need it in the future.
After you’ve been vaccinated
Stay for monitoring. The health care provider should observe you for about 15 minutes after the vaccine is
administered to make sure you don’t have any immediate reactions. However, it is extremely rare for severe
health reactions.
Be prepared for some side effects. Vaccines are designed to give you immunity without the dangers of
getting the disease. While it’s normal to build immunity without side effects, it’s also common to
experience some mild-to-moderate side effects that go away within a few days on their own.
Some of the mild-to-moderate side effects you may experience after vaccination include:
Arm soreness at the injection site