Explained: All you want to know about COVID vaccines

When will your turn come? Can you choose your shot? Can those with cancer and other conditions take it? An expert clarifies

With the much-awaited vaccination against COVID-19 starting in just a day, mid-day on Thursday spoke to a member of the state’s COVID-19 task force, to bring to you clarity on the programme and answers to your numerous questions. Dr Shashank Joshi, an endocrinologist, explains who will be the first to get the shots, and if diabetes and hypertension are counted as comorbidities. He also assured that the vaccines are safe, although there are still apprehensions over their safety.

DR Joshi, the dean of the Indian College of Physicians, Mumbai, said the first step will be the inoculation of the healthcare professionals, and that the common man without any comorbidities will have to wait. Excerpts below:

How do I know it’s my turn to get the COVID-19 shot?
Right now, healthcare professionals are the priority, so the local authorities will send an SMS on their registered mobile number a day in advance.

How and when do I register for the vaccine?
I am not aware of this, as it is completely the decision of the central government. The first phase is for the healthcare workers, followed by people aged 50 and above, and people with comorbidities. Only then a decision will be taken for common citizens. The prime minister had said once 65 per cent of the people with comorbidities and frontline warriors and health workers are vaccinated, the Centre will reconvene and as per the effectiveness of the first lot, further steps will be decided.

I have diabetes and hypertension. Am I comorbid?
Yes, absolutely. Hypertension, low blood pressure, diabetes are comor-bidities, and thus, people with these conditions are ones who need the vaccination the most, and vaccines will save their lives.

I am a cancer survivor. Is the vaccine safe for me?
That will have to be decided in coordination with their oncologists. Still, it is definitely safe for the cancer survivors, however, we don’t know yet if they develop antibodies or not.

I am undergoing renal/heart/cancer treatment, should I be taking the vaccine?
Of course yes. People with these diseases also fall under the vulnerable group and people with heart issues have tenfold higher risk of death due to COVID-19 than you and me. It is safe for them to take the vaccine.

Dr Shashank Joshi

How safe are these vaccines?
They are very safe and there are no two ways about it, but the only question is about its effectiveness which we will closely monitor.

What’s the difference between Covishield and Covaxin?
These are two different platforms, while the Covaxin is an inactivated virus where the virus is completely killed, whereas Covishield is a vector-based spike protein-modulated platform. From the production point of view, Covaxin is difficult to make.

Which of the two vaccines is better?
Both are equally safe, and both have similar effects. 
 
Do I have the choice to choose the brand of vaccine 
No, you do not have the choice to choose the brand currently, as the central government doesn’t give the option to choose in the current phase. 

Is it compulsory to take the vaccine?
No, it is voluntary. One cannot choose, but can definitely refuse.

What documents do I need to carry to a vaccination centre? 
An Aadhaar card will be necessary. Also, citizens with comorbidities will get directions in terms of required documents. They may have to upload or carry a doctor’s certificate mentioning their illness. 

Is it safe for my children to take the vaccine?
This question doesn’t arise, as they do not fall under the category of the health workers or frontline workers. Moreover, COVID-19 in children is very rare and even if they get it doesn’t cause any mortality. The whole idea of the vaccination drive is to save lives and prevent severe COVID-19. 

Should someone recovering from COVID-19 take the vaccine?
No, it is not advisable to take a vaccine immediately for at least first four to six weeks. Later, they may take it.

Will I be expected to pay for the vaccine?
It will be free for the current group of people. There is no commercial sale of the vaccines.

How long should one wait to know if they have any adverse effects?
An individual will receive two doses, thus, it will take at least 45 days for the immunity to set in. The immediate reaction, like flu-like illness or pain at the injection site, is possible within half an hour, so people will be asked to wait at the centre after taking the shot. 

How will such adverse effects be monitored?
People will be monitored via the CoWin app. It is a vigilance app that they need to have for a year at least. They can upload the update on the app, or can also visit the nearest hospital. The only problem is if there is any illness, people might link it to the vaccine. However, as the first set of people receiving the shot are health workers, they may know to distinguish and we would know. 

Your message to people
Wholeheartedly participate in the vaccination drive. And even after taking the shot, continue to wear a mask and take other precautions for one more year, as the vaccine won’t protect you from contracting the virus. It will only prevent deathly effects or severe infection. 

Will you be taking the vaccine?
Yes of course, I do not mind taking either of the vaccines.

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