Covid-19 vaccination – Important Information and FAQs

It’s been a few months now since the anti-covid vaccination was started in our country. But even now, awareness remains poor and mixed messaging by the government and media has not helped.

So we have compiled a list of some important and practical points about vaccination from our experience and research.

1) Should I take the vaccine if eligible?

Yes, as soon as possible.

2) Which vaccine to take?

For pregnant and lactating females & those with immunosuppressive diseases – Take Covishield (After consulting your Doctor). All others can take either vaccine, but make sure you take the second dose of the same vaccine (don’t mix and match).

3) I had covid recently? Should I take the vaccine? If yes, when?

Yes, please take the vaccine even if you had a Covid-19 infection previously. But delay your vaccine for 90 days from the day you came positive.

4) I took the first dose of the vaccine and then I came Covid-19 positive a few days/a few weeks later. What to do about the second dose?

In this case, the Covid-19 infection already acts like a booster after the first dose. So, delay the second vaccination for 60-90 days after coming positive.

5) Pfizer has 91% efficacy while Covishield only has efficacy of around 80-85%? Are we being given an inferior vaccine?

Pfizer and Moderna trials were completed much earlier than Covishield (AstraZeneca)/J & J/ Covaxin trials. At that time so many variants were not in circulation. So, we can’t say for sure. Until trials for 2 vaccines are held at the same time, in the same population, specifically to compare – we can’t say which vaccine is better and which one is worse.

6) What about variants? Covishield is not effective against the South African variant.

Trials have shown that the efficacy of Covishield goes down significantly against the South African variant. However, it still showed excellent protection against hospitalisation and death irrespective of variants. So, it’s still advisable to take the vaccine.

7) What about blood clots? Is it safe to take the vaccine?

The chances of blood clots are around 400 times more if you smoke and 40000 times more if you get Covid-19 infection as compared to taking AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine. Clotting is an extremely rare side effect, so please go ahead and take the vaccine.

8) I know at least 8-10 people who took the first dose and got infected. I also know 2-3 people who took both doses and still got infected? What then is the point of the vaccine?

It is very important to manage our expectations from the vaccine. It is not showing significant protection against infection. It should protect you from significant disease and hospitalisation. The full protective effect develops 2-3 weeks after the second dose. Please continue taking all precautions even after vaccination.

9) What should be the gap between 2 doses of Covishield and Covaxin?

For Covishield – the government now recommends 6 – 8 week interval between 2 doses. A larger gap between 2 doses has been shown to increase efficacy. But one may stock to 4 weeks. That’s because the vaccine will get full protective effect sooner (even if it means a little drop in efficacy).

For Covaxin, stick to a 4-week interval between the 2 doses.

10) I have taken 2 doses of Covishield. Should I take Covaxin/another vaccine/another shot of Covishield for additional protection?

Please don’t. Mix matching of vaccination might be counterproductive/ harmful.

11) I am extremely fit. I go to the gym every day and also do yoga. I have no comorbidities and I also take multiple supplements every day and Chyawanprash. I would rather rely on my immunity than a vaccine.

Kudos to you. By taking good care of yourself, you have reduced your chances of severe disease and death as compared to an unfit person. You have been smart, so please don’t make a stupid decision now. Presently we are seeing severe disease and death even among young people in their 20’s/early 30’s – without any prior disease/co-morbid. So, please take the vaccine as soon as possible if eligible.

P.S. – Please remember that while vaccine efficacy might vary widely, masks have a 100% efficacy against Covid – 19 infections. So, please mask up and get vaccinated as soon as possible.

For more information, please visit: https://www.bharatbiotech.com/covaxin.html