COVID-19 Vaccination in India: Registration, Types and Side Effects

The vaccination drive is the biggest healthcare service which is going throughout the country. The government is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring welfare. But the task is humongous. Public must be aware of the ongoing activities of vaccination. Vaccines are capable of reducing the probability of contracting COVID-19. So,we must not take the vaccination on a lighter note.

This article is going to give all of the important details related to COVID vaccination.It will help to ward off the doubts.So, let us go through the salient aspects of the vaccination.

How is the vaccination drive going in India?

• India started its vaccination drive with Covishield and Covaxin. 
• It is estimated to target 90-95 crores of adults.
• Children are not included in the drive as of now.
• The government is providing vaccines free of cost to all the citizens above 18 years.

How four types of COVID vaccines work?

 All COVID vaccines aid in creating antibodies to fight against the dreadful SARs-COV-2 virus.However, they are designed in a different manner. These generate immune responses differently. Let us know how each of them are different.

Messenger RNA Vaccine (mRNA) 

Such a vaccine triggers the immune response by activating cells. These cells help in fighting the harmful pathogens.The mRNA vaccine helps the cells to make a piece of coronavirus spike protein. It produces an immune response in the body.

Viral Vector Vaccine

It triggers an immune response by using a modified version of some different virus which is ‘vector’.

Protein Subunit Vaccine

It is a kind of vaccine that uses parts of a virus. That part stimulates the immune system to fight off the pathogen.

DNA-based Vaccine

This vaccine uses engineered DNA to furnish a response against the virus.

Covaxin and Covishield:

Let us know some salient features of Covaxin and Covishield, as the Indian vaccination drive uses both of these. The debate is on the differences, efficacy and composition of the two indigeneous vaccines.  

COVAXIN	COVISHIELD
These injections are applied to people above 18 years of age.	These too can be applied to people over the age of 18 years.
The injection is administered to us in 4-6 weeks.	The injection is administered to us in 4-8 weeks.
Developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology.	It is the Indian-made version of AstraZeneca’s Vaxzevria jab.
Covaxin has 78-100% efficacy against severe COVID-19 disease.	Here the efficacy is upto 91% after two doses are administered.

How important is it to get vaccinated?

Vaccination has numerous positive impacts such as:

• Vaccination boosts the immune system.
• Covid-19 vaccines are tested by drug administration authorities. These reduce the probability of contracting COVID-19.
• Vaccination helps in contributing to mass wellness.
• It teaches the body to fight against the threats and foreign elements.

Procedure to get vaccinated in India

Registration	Registration of a person on the Co-WIN system using photo identity proof.
Vaccination Details	After the registration beneficiary will receive SMS on the registered cell phone number. There will be a range of four SMS mentioning the required details ( not all SMS will come on the same day, depending upon doses).
Vaccination Officer 1(VO-1)	VO-1 will check the registration and photo ID proof of the beneficiary  at the site.
VO-2	VO-2 will cross verify the beneficiary’s documents on Co-WIN.
VO-3	VO-3 will administer the process of vaccination to the beneficiary.
Observation	The beneficiary will be asked to wait in the ‘observation area’.
Monitoring	VO-4 and VO-5 will ensure a 30 minutes monitoring session of the beneficiary after the vaccination.
Second Dose	As per the SMS received after the first dose, the beneficiary will have to come for the second dose.
Vaccination Certificate Download	Co-WIN portal, Aarogya Setu App and so on.

Vaccine side effects:

There are a few symptoms which are visible after the vaccination, such as:

• Mild fever
• Pain at the site (where it is injected)
• Body aches
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Fatigue
• Rashes
• Chills and so on.

How to tackle side effects of vaccines:

There are a few points which can help us in tackling the side effects. Some of these are:

• To get rid of pain at the injection site, we can apply ice packs or go for cold water therapy.
• Swells and rashes are common inflammatory reactions. These appear for 1-3 days. Ice therapy or epsom salt bath can work against the pain.
• We can take medicines but after consulting a doctor.
• Natural herbs and medicines such as giloy-juice can act as fever-reducing agents.
• Staying hydrated also helps in tackling side effects of vaccination.

Do vaccines protect against the most variants?

Studies are underway to assess the impact of vaccines against the most variants. According to data, vaccines stimulate immunity to generate efficacy against most variants. WHO is keeping an eye on all the situations. It is studying the aftermath of vaccination.WHO will update the guidance accordingly.

Is vaccination there for all types of women? 

Let us know how vaccination impacts the different categories of women. 

Pregnant women

The COVID-19 vaccines are not a threat to pregnant women. As pregnant women are more likely to get ill, vaccination can help in boosting their immunity.

Menstruating Women

Millions of women have taken the vaccines worldwide. However, no negative effect is under the notice.

Elderly Women

Elderly women must take vaccines to avoid the risk.

Teenage Girls

In India vaccination is available for a person who is 18 years or above. However, countries like the USA are vaccinating people till 12 years of age. 

Lactating mother

The lactating mothers must get vaccinated.mRNA vaccines produce antibodies. As antibodies developed in mothers get transferred to their babies to protect them. WHO recommends the continuation of breastfeeding after the vaccination. There is no effect on breast milk.

Is Vaccination Safe for children?

The research in India shows that infection and fatality rate is low among children. Though medical professionals find children susceptible to the third wave.

As per the latest reports, clinical trials are going on. Afterwards, the process of vaccination will start on children.

Is vaccination safe for elderly people?

Although all the age groups are at the risk of contracting COVID. But, elderly people have a risk of developing serious illnesses. So, vaccination is recommended for them. In India, currently all of those who are 18 years and above are getting the vaccines. 

Vaccination when suffering from COVID-19?

There are several doubts on the mind regarding the vaccination. One of the most discussed is whether we should take the vaccine while suffering from COVID-19. If we are suffering from COVID or are suspected from this, we can enhance the risk at the vaccination centre. 

So, we should defer the vaccination for at least 14 days after symptoms meet resolution.

We must not avoid taking the vaccine after the infection by COVID is over. Vaccines will help us gain immunity.

Impact of vaccination on sex life

There is no significant impact of vaccination on the sex life. As per doctors, the vaccinated person can continue with their normal regime. Also, there are no recorded impacts of vaccination on fertility. However, experts give a few suggestions about the sex-life after the vaccination:

• Vaccination may cause tiredness. So, physical intercourse may be avoided for 2-3 weeks in the interest of body strength.
• Doctors suggest avoiding direct body fluid contacts.

Who should avoid the vaccination?

Let us know who should not take the vaccine:

• The person who is allergic to any component of the vaccine.
• Indian authorities have not recommended it for children below the age of 18 years.
• People having thrombocytopenia should avoid it or take caution while taking the vaccine.

Points to keep in mind

BEFORE WE GO FOR VACCINATION	ON THE DAY OF VACCINATION	AFTER GETTING VACCINATED
We must talk to our doctor.	Follow all the precautionary measures.	We must stay in monitoring for at least 15 minutes.
Read the guidelines carefully to avoid misinformation.	We must communicate with health professionals about our health conditions.	We must follow all the norms even after getting vaccinated.
A good sleep and properly hydrated body can help in having good results.	We must take our vaccination certificate after the vaccination.	If symptoms of fever, fatigue and so on prolong for a longer period, we should contact healthcare professionals .

FAQs

The drive of vaccination is related to common well-being. But misinformation can create chaos. We must try to update ourselves with authentic sources. The government has dedicated several apps and sites for spreading awareness. As we all know vaccination is the result of efforts by professionals, we must clear our doubts and contribute to a safe society.