On Friday the 19th of February, I had my first shot of the Covishield Covid-19 vaccine. Earlier, I had decided to take the vaccine whenever it was available. But then I felt the need to give some time to see the possible side effects of the vaccines available.
In my last blog, I indicated that I would indicate who should not take the vaccine. Unfortunately, I do not have full information on who should not take the vaccines. Early on, I got the impression that those who are on blood thinners after coronary bypass surgery, should not take the vaccines as some patients had blood clotting problem.
I checked with my cardiac surgeon. He said that it is not contraindicated. He advised two precautions. First, the injection should be administered using a very fine bore needle. Second, after the injection, that site must be kept under pressure for about 10 minutes.
I spoke to a senior citizen friend of mine. He said that he had the vaccine and that he did not have any side effects after the vaccine.
I cross-checked with my physician. He advised me to go ahead and have the vaccine. He said that there were no major problems with the large numbers vaccinated in his centre.
So, without much delay, I arranged for the vaccine and had it over with last Friday. Fortunately, I had it at a centre where there were no crowds during the time of the injection
I am preparing this blog over five days after the vaccine was administered. By God’s grace, I had no complications of pain or fever.
Yesterday, while taking a class for online students, many of who were doctors were asked a question on whether they had the Covid-19 vaccine and if so any complications. Many said that they did not have any complications. A few said that they experienced fever, pain and malaise. One mentioned diarrhoea.
There was one interesting feedback. This person had taken the Sinovac or China made vaccine about three months back. Now he tested positive for Covid-19.
Surprisingly many throughout the world are passing up the opportunity to take the vaccine. What are some of the possible reasons that people are not willing to take up the vaccine?
There is first of all some apprehension that there is not enough information published or reported relating to complications of the vaccine trials at different phases. There is conflicting information on the level of efficacy or % of protection of each of the major vaccines in use. The third point is there is uncertainty as to how long the immunity of the vaccines would last.
When I had completed the first dose of the vaccine, I was told that when I take the second dose 28 days later, I would get a ‘Vaccine Passport.’ It is creating an impression that soon without this type of ‘passport’ people would not be able to travel freely. I would be happy to be corrected on this.
Even as I was writing this blog, I came across the following information relating to the expansion of the Covid-19 vaccine programme.
“People aged more than 60 years and those who are 45 plus and have comorbidities will be able to get a vaccine against Covid-19 at a government centre or a private hospital from March 1.
Announcing this, the central government on Wednesday said people above 45 years of age will have to show a certificate stating they have comorbidities.”
I am sure more information regarding will become available in due course of time.
New information on Covoid-19 has been continuously coming forward as new interventions are being introduced. Updating this type of information continuously is necessary. I am happy to share this information through these blogs. I would value it if many readers raise questions and make additional feedback and comments as that would add value to the whole knowledge building process.
At a personal level, I was able to update some information that emerged regarding Covid-19 in my book COVID-19. The updated eBook is currently available at the following link. Readers may utilise as needed and convenient. I hope to bring out the print version soon.
Book COVID-19
Global eBook COVID-19 http://tiny.cc/gb01tz
Indian eBook COVID-19 http://tiny.cc/bb01tz
I hope to share some information on Covid mutants or variants in my next blog.
Rajaratnam Abel
Rajaratnam Abel 