Ever since vaccination against COVID has begun, there have been many misconceptions and confusing information that has emerged lately enough. Unfortunately, this misinformation has also slowed down the vaccination process itself. These clouds over the vaccination program have to be mitigated as early as possible.

Is the Covid vaccine unsafe as quickly?

it was developed so In fact we should thank our scientists and the worldwide collaborative efforts that went behind to maim• facture the vaccine in record time. The vaccine has wider-gone the same rigorous process as any other vaccine. All safety standards were adhered to and no steps were skipped. The clinical trials and safety reviews took the same time as other vaccines.

The Covid vaccine is unsafe in hypertension and diabetes individuals?

In fact, these individuals and those with underlying cardiovascular diseases are more vulnerable to the complications of coronavirus infections. Those who have had angina, those who have had a heart attack, those who had angioplasty and those who had bypass surgery should all take the vaccine. It is equally safe in them. The vaccine is safe even if the blood sugar level is high. There have been instances that in spite of two vaccines taken by individuals they could not avoid Covid infection,

why take the vaccine?

It should be understood that the maximum immune response by the human body against the virus occurs after two weeks of the second vaccination. Before this period the individual can get coronavirus infection if exposed to the virus. Hence face mask, using hand wash or sanitisation and social distancing has to be practised even after vaccination. However, if infected, the individual has a mild infection and may not require hospitalisation.

Does the vaccine cause infertility, menstrual and sexual problems?

There cannot be anything more foolish than this! The vaccine never enters the DNA of our cells. There are no reports of these Symp. toms in any individual vaccinated so fat The vaccine does not increase your blood pressure or blood glucose and does not affect your chances of having a baby. I have already had Covid 19 infection, I do not need the vaccine The immune response after coronavirus infection is unpredictable in terms of

duration and effectiveness. The immunity lasts for 3 months after coronavirus infection in most individuals. However; after vaccination, the immune response is better, predictable and lasts for about a year or so. Hence even if you had a coronavirus infection, please take the vaccine.

The vaccine is associated with many side effects?

This is a very common myth. No serious adverse effects have been observed so far. Mild fever, headache, body ache and some pain at the site of injection has been observed. All these symptoms subside in a day. In fact more of these symptoms, better is the immune response launched by your body against the forum virus. After vaccination, all vaccinated persons are observed for about 30 minutes. The health authorities have made excellent provisions to tackle any emergency, after vaccination. Do not hesitate to take the vaccine, there are no noteworthy side effects. People with a suppressed immune system like those with cancer, arthritis, organ transplant and the very elderly should get the vaccine? The vaccine does not contain a live virus, hence it is safe in all individuals including those suffering from HIV- AIDS. In fact, those individuals may have a more serious form of coronavirus s infection and are likely to be intensely bene-fitted by vaccination.

Is it true that once vaccinated I don’t have to wear a mask or practice social distancing?

You still have to wear a mask and adopt social distancing even after 2 vaccines. No vaccine is 100% effective. These vaccines are more than 95% effective which is “incredibly high. After a few years when everyone is vaccinated, we may go back to our original lifestyle. If the vaccine is safe then why it is not used in young children and pregnant women? It may be authorised in the next few months for this group as well. There is not enough data as yet on this aspect. It may be licensed to be used in pregnancy, nursing mothers and children after enough safety data are obtained. Newer strains of coronavirus are being observed imparts of Ira,

are the vaccines effective against these newer strains?

Viruses always undergo mutation. This is their basic character: There are reports to indicate that the vaccine works against even the mutant strains of the virus. The present surge in cases is more due to failure to observe social distancing and wearing a proper mask then due to mutation of the virus. The vaccine against coronavirus is a boon to humanity. Those entitled to get vaccinated as per the priority should get vaccinated with-out any fear. Do not fall prey to rumours and false information. Support the vaccination program against coronavirus so as to win the war against Covid infection.