Covid-19
vaccination FAQs: The Centre has come out with detailed frequently asked
questions (FAQs) on Covid-19 vaccination, in an attempt to answer many
questions that are being asked by the general public.
The Centre has come out with detailed frequently asked questions
(FAQs) on Covid-19 vaccination, in an attempt to
answer many questions that are being asked by the general public.
Here are the answers to the questions on
Covid-19 vaccination:
Should
you avoid alcohol after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine?
The
Health Ministry says that as per experts “there is no evidence of alcohol
impairing the effectiveness of the vaccine”.
Claims on social media suggested the
Covid-19 vaccine could affect female fertility. Is it true?
The Health Ministry says rumours or
social media posts suggesting Covid-19 vaccines could cause infertility “are
not true and totally baseless”.
“None of the available vaccines affects
fertility. All vaccines and their constituents are tested first on animals and
later in humans to assess if they have any such side effects. Vaccines are
authorised for use only after their safety and efficacy are assured,” the
ministry says.
What are the precautions
one needs to take after receiving the vaccine?
The
Health Ministry has assured that both the vaccines are safe but in “case of any
discomfort or complaint”, the beneficiaries are advised to visit the nearest
health facility or call the health worker whose phone number is given in the
CoWIN SMS received after vaccination.
What medications should be
avoided before taking the Covid-19 vaccine and for how long?
The
Health Ministry says there are no such instructions: One can take one’s regular
medication uninterruptedly. Just inform the vaccinator about the medicines you
consume.
The Health Ministry has advised
caution in vaccinating persons with a history of bleeding or coagulation
disorder. How does a person know if he/she has a coagulation disorder? What
tests can be conducted?
The Ministry has said that in a few
bleeding disorders, like haemophilia, persons should take the vaccine “under the
supervision of their treating physician”.
Also,
patients who are admitted to hospital or ICU and have bleeding problems “should
delay the vaccination till they are discharged”.
However,
several people with heart and brain disorders are on blood thinners like
aspirin and anti-platelet drugs “can continue with their medicines and have the
vaccines”, and that vaccines are absolutely safe for this category.
If I suffer from hypertension,
Diabetic Mellitus, Chronic Kidney Disease, heart disease or lipid disorders,
can I safely take this vaccine?
Overall,
the vaccine is safe and efficacious in adults with comorbidity, the Health
Ministry has said, adding that the maximum benefit of getting the Covid vaccine
‘is for those who have such comorbidities”.
“However,
if you are concerned for any specific reason, please consult your doctor,” it
has recommended.
The health advisory also states
that those with immunity issues should be cautious about taking the vaccine.
What are the markers of ‘immunity issues’?
The
Health Ministry says immune issues are of two types: one, immunosuppression due
to any disease such as AIDS, and people on immunosuppressant drugs such as anti-cancer drugs,
steroids; second, immunodeficiency in people who suffers from some defect in
the body’s protective system such as congenital immunodeficiency.
“Currently,
available Covid vaccines do not have any live virus and therefore individuals
with immune issues can have the vaccine safely. But the vaccine may not be as
effective in them,” the Health Ministry has said.
It
also emphasised that this category of patients “should inform the vaccinator
about the medicines they consume and if they are suffering from any known
immune issues”. “The vaccinator should have a record of one’s medical
condition,” the Health Ministry has said.
Is the vaccine
contraindicated in a person with chronic diseases?
Chronic
diseases and morbidities like cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, pulmonary,
metabolic, renal and malignancies, etc. are not contraindicated, the Health
Ministry has reiterated.
“In
fact, the benefit of Covid vaccines to reduce the risk of severe Covid disease
and death is for those who have these co-morbidities,” it said.
If I had Covid-19 and was treated, should I take the vaccine?
The
Health Ministry has said that “development of immunity or duration of
protection” after Covid-19 exposure is not established; therefore it is
recommended to receive the vaccine even after Covid-19 infection. “Wait for 4-8
weeks after recovery from Covid symptoms before getting the vaccine,” it has
recommended.
I have an allergy to a specific drug. Can I get vaccinated?
The
Health Ministry has listed the category of persons with a history of immediate
or delayed onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to pharmaceutical products,
food items, injectable therapies – as a contraindication. Therefore, this
category is not advised to take the vaccine.
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/india-coronavirus-vaccination-frequently-asked-questions-7213915/
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