It’s not one jab for all
Though the much-anticipated COVID-19 vaccine is finally here, some people need to wait, or take medical advice before lining up for the needle. Here’s why
Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute of India have both released factsheets indicating which categories of people should not take their respective vaccines — Covaxin and Covishield. Expert doctors explain the reasons for these exceptions.
NOT FOR PREGNANT WOMEN AND BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
Explaining the simple logic behind why expectant and breastfeeding mothers are cautioned against taking any COVID-19 vaccine, Dr. S Sudha, Sr. Consultant Gynecologist and Obstetrician at Virinchi Hospital, Hyderabad, says, “They are new vaccines; we don’t have any data on how they will affect pregnant women. In fact, there are many vaccines that we don’t give women during pregnancy. They are given only a handful of vaccines, like Tetanus Toxoid and flu shots. That’s why the government has declared that the COVID vaccine is contraindicated in pregnant women.”
Asked if she is ready to take the vaccine, Dr. Sudha says, “The vaccine is not yet given to private hospital employees. But once they start, we’ll see…I’ll take it."
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE BEING VACCINATED
Dr. Gundagani Srinivas, Clinical Pharmacologist at NIMS Hospital, Hyderabad, explains, “People with comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension etc., and those with conditions like kidney failure, cardiac problems and paralysis should consult their own physicians who are well-versed with their medical history, before deciding whether or not they should take the vaccine.” Referring to people who have bleeding disorders or are on blood thinners, he says, “These people must first ascertain the status of their disorder. If their PT INR levels (indicating the extent of the disorder and the efficacy of medication) are normal, they can take the vaccine.”
The specialist also stresses, “People who are severely immune-compromised should avoid the vaccine for now.”
DCGI APPROVAL FOR COVAXIN IS AWAITED
Explaining the controversy around Covaxin, Dr. Srinivas says, “Emergency approval was given to Covaxin after the Phase 2 trials, keeping the gravity of the pandemic situation in mind; but the vaccination drive sparked outrage in the medical community. Hence, as of now, the government is only giving Covishield to frontline workers. The data from Phase 3 trials of Covaxin is expected in a few weeks. Once this information is available, and all being well, the Drugs Controller General of India will approve the vaccine, and it can then be administered to people.”