Covid vaccine is completely safe, says ACMO Varanasi
The stage is all set for Covid-19 vaccination that will get under way on Saturday. Medical teams have been assigned their tasks with the instruction to reach the vaccination centres an hour in advance. Cold chain handlers have been directed to stay alert and ensure that there are no lapses in maintaining the cold chain. Amid his hectic schedule, additional chief medical officer (ACMO), Varanasi, Dr Sanjay Rai spoke to Sudhir
Kumar on the issue. Here are the edited excerpts of the interview.
Will there be any side effects after vaccination?
Covid vaccine is completely safe. It has no side effects. The vaccine will be injected into the upper arm. It is an intramuscular injection of 0.5 ml dose.
Is swelling or pain likely to develop after vaccination?
Not at all. There will be no swelling and pain after vaccination because the amount of dose is very little and the needle is very fine. After the first dose, the second will be given after a gap of 28 days.
What about the efficacy of the vaccine?
The vaccine is very effective. With the vaccination, the immune system in the body will produce enough antibodies against the Corona virus through T cell.
Even after vaccination, is it a must to follow rules like wearing masks, social distancing and sanitisation of hands?
From the administration of the first dose to the production of adequate antibodies in the body, it is necessary to wear masks, maintain social distancing and ensure sanitisation.
What are the preparations to deal with the situation if any reaction or negative effect crops up after the vaccination?
Covid vaccine is very safe and effective. But if there is any adverse effect after the inoculation, special AEFI (adverse event following immunisation) kit will be available at all vaccination centres. Each medical officer and ANM on duty is equipped with AEFI kit which contains life-saving adrenaline and hydrocortisone injections, disposable syringes, needles, swabs, ringer lactate, normal saline, 5% dextrose, drip sets, cotton and bandage, among others.
What is your message to people getting the first does of the vaccine?
Stay cool and stay confident. Vaccine is completely safe and effective. Soon after being inoculated, the vaccine will develop such an armour in the body that will make Sars-CoV- 2 virus ineffective.