All set to vaccinate !
By Dr. Ashwani K. Malhotra
The country is all set to vaccinate the 1 crore health workers, including doctors, in the first phase of vaccination against the corona virus both in the public and private sector from 16th January, followed by another 2 crore corona warriors.
The scientists involved in the making of the vaccine worked hard day and night, proving once and again that they are second to none by making a vaccine that is both economical and successful in the trials. In fact, providing the logistics and transferring the vaccine in such large numbers at the required temperatures, then storing them and distributing them throughout the country traversing difficult terrains and inclement weather was by no means an easy feat.
In the first phase, 1 crore health workers will be given this vaccine in two doses at a difference of 21 to 28 days and then 2 crore other corona warriors who have worked day and night, regardless of their own risk in getting infected. In the second phase, about 27 crore people, those above 50 years who have co-morbidities and are at high risk and senior citizens , would be vaccinated followed by t he rest of the population.
The Prime Minister would formally launch the vaccination drive on 16th January and possibly the Cowin app, by which the people can register themselves for vaccination.
The country is facing so many challenges from the Covid-19 pandemic along with the enormous task of reviving our economy and livelihood. In such a scenario, certain voices of discord and rumours about the vaccine spread by mischief mongers and anti social elements should be treated with utter disregard by all of us and those indulging in spread of rumours and doubts about the vaccine .
Should I be vaccinated? Is it safe? Are there any side effects?
Experts say that the two vaccines are quite safe. However there may be mild pain and/or fever. Therefore the vaccinated individual would be observed for any untoward reaction at the vaccination site for half an hour. Moreover pregnant and lactating women and children below 18 years will not be vaccinated.
Scientists involved in the process of making these vaccines and medical experts say that there should be no doubt about their efficacy and safety .
Let’s all join hands and cooperate with the Government in making this mammoth exercise of inoculation a success and win the war against the corona virus.
Dr Ashwani K. Malhotra MBBS, PGDMCH, PGDMLS, is a retired Senior Medical Officer,Punjab Government,and can be reached @M-9417188867 E-mail : ashwini.doc.1954@gmail.com
19 comments
A very timely article and of course a bonanza of information.
Thank you.Dr.Malhotra.
I thank you for sparing your time to read this article and your appreciation , sir
Excellent job ,Dr Ashwani Malhotra ji, u r gem of a person
Thanks, Dr. Jindal
Though Bharat Bio-Tech has impeccable credentials, yet the fact that they have obtained approval for a vaccine that has not gone through the full protocol, does raise some shard of doubt. Why couldn’t we just have gone through with the tried and tested covishield and covaxin could have been introduced shortly thereafter, after it had been tested.
However given the record of Bharat Bio-Tech, it does seem that the vaccine will be beneficial.
Dear Sir. Thanks for your valuable comments. At times it takes years for the trials and side effect can occur even after a while. But considering that no serious side effect has been seen during the trials, the vaccines can be considered quite safe.
Good information Dr Malhotra to take off fears regarding the vaccine…in fact all your articles are too good
Thanks for your comments, Madam
My views have been echoed by Mr. Mohinder Debor. Unnecessary controversy and doubts have been created by allowing Bharat Biotech’s Covxin.
Dear Sir. I do not think we will face any serious side effects, but of course all vaccines have mild adverse reactions.
Topic not fully covered Not fully satisfied with the information
All aspects may not have been fully covered. Actually I feel that any article should be concise, to the point and relevant. However thanks for reading and your valuable comments, Dr. Dhawan.
Very educative and eye opener article. Qe enjoy reading your articles, sir
Thank you sir.
Very educative and eye opener article. We enjoy reading your articles, sir
Thank you sir
Thankyou. This clears all doubts.
It is my pleasure that my article has been able to clear your doubt. Thanks for reading
very nice article and a very important information Dr.Malhotra