India, after a year-long fight with coronavirus, on January 16th 2021 began its vaccination drive. Today, on 16th April 2021 India has completed three months of vaccinating the senior age group of the population. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India has till date vaccinated 11,72,23,509 people spread across three phases.
A global tracker for vaccines suggests India has administered 117M doses covering only 4.3 per cent of its population. In the last 24 hours, the country vaccinated 27,30,359 people. But if experts are to be believed, it will take India 2.4 years to cover 75 per cent of its population, suggests Bloomberg tracker. The period has fallen in the last week, owing to the increase in the inoculations from 4.2 years to 2.4 years.
The reality about the vaccine
Getting a jab of the vaccine does not ensure that you are free from coronavirus. It only helps develop antibodies in the body. But since the virus is ever-evolving, there are chances that you might get the vaccine.
Rising cases
Additionally, the country is going through a second wave of Covid-19 after almost getting the situation under control. Currently, the country has recorded 1569743 active cases and 174308 deaths.
States like Maharashtra have gone under a lockdown again and other states such Chattisghar, Uttar Pradesh are showing a rising trend of cases. Delhi is also showing an upward trend in cases.
While the cases exist, the most important thing that remains is to take proper care after being vaccinated.
Here is a guide to help you clear all your doubts.
Many people believe that getting vaccinated will keep Covid at bay, and they are immune to the virus. Hence, without wearing a mask or following other Covid measures, they fearlessly carry on their business. There are two doses of vaccines and one gets completely immune after two doses. Thus, here are some precautions you need to take after getting the jab.
• Getting vaccinated does not mean you will not get infected with Coronavirus. It simply means that one will not be critically ill even if he/she contracts the virus. Moreover, there is a possibility of you transmitting the virus to the ones who aren’t vaccinated. Masking is essential in public places or otherwise.
• After getting the jab, you will be monitored at the vaccination centre for immediate allergies. You will only be allowed to leave once you are thoroughly monitored.
• Even after getting vaccinated, you will have to avoid crowded places and maintain a 6 feet distance from people. Also, don’t forget to maintain proper hand hygiene and wash your hands from time to time. Disinfect the frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, kitchen countertops, and handles. Cough and sneeze etiquette must be followed as well.
• If you notice Covid symptoms after getting vaccinated then immediately consult the doctor instead of dismissing them.
• You may get a headache, fever, chills, fatigue, hand pain, or Covid arm as side-effects for a couple of days after the vaccination. Take medication as prescribed by the doctor and rest. You can keep a clean wet cloth on the affected area to reduce pain. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Consult the doctor if redness, tenderness, or swelling of the hand worsens. Furthermore, you will have to stay in touch with your family doctor and inform him about your health every day.
• Avoid doing strenuous activities for at least 3-4 days after getting the jab. It is safer to avoid alcohol and smoking for a few days. But this doesn’t mean that you MUST avoid getting vaccinated.
Story by: Dr Pritam Moon, consultant physician, Wockhardt Hospital Mira Road