Originated in Wuhan, China, in the year 2019, coronavirus Covid-19 caused havoc throughout the world, causing deaths to millions of people and severely damaging the lives of many. Covid-19 shows no signs of fading away from most countries in the world anytime soon. Thus the need of the hour is a vaccine that can protect us from this deadly disease. For the past one year, scientists in every country are trying their best to procure a vaccine to save people from dying.
The first ray of hope came in Russia, which invented a vaccine for coronavirus way back in August 2020. Named Sputnik V, it became the first and, to date, one of the best vaccines suitable for Covid-19 disease. Other countries have tried to produce vaccines, and now there are many vaccines in circulation across different countries. USA, UK, India have created their own indigenous vaccines that are quite as effective as Sputnik V.
In India, two vaccines are prescribed by the Government to be taken by all individuals in a phased manner. Covishield and Covaxin are the two vaccines in circulation among the public. Covaxin is recommended for those who have prior diseases or comorbidity, while Covishield is recommended for all others. Two doses of vaccination are required. Covaxin requires a gap of 4 weeks in between two doses. Covishield needs a greater interval of 6 to 8 weeks between the doses. Both the vaccines are working very well against Covid-19 strains present in India (except one ‘Bengal Variant’ maybe), with Covishield shown by many studies as having a slight edge over Covaxin. People getting vaccinated reported little or no side effects, the minor side effects being not more than slight fever or weakness. Thus, it is advised to all register and take the vaccine as soon as it is made available.
Now the most important question comes, when will I get the vaccine. If your age is above 45 years, then you are eligible to take the vaccine anytime. Register and wait for your slot. The date and venue (usually the nearest vaccination camp) of vaccination will be updated soon after you register. You may be asked to carry an identification card (Aadhar Card or something like that). Maintain social distancing, wear a mask, and wait for your turn. You may be required to spend a few minutes (usually half an hour) at the camp to see if the vaccine produced any weird side effects. Don’t worry; the vaccine is completely safe, and this is just for your safety only. Registration for the vaccine has begun for 18 to 45-year-old people, as of 28th April, and vaccination will start by 1st May. It is advised to register via registered accounts, Aarogya Setu app, or the Government vaccination drive website, https://www.cowin.gov.in/home, and be available at your vaccination drive camp on the vaccination day. We wish everyone to be safe and cooperative to win the hard-fought battle against the deadly virus.
Written by – Himadri Paul