Covid Vaccine Everything You Need To Know

Dr Amit Gawande

Dr Amit Gawande is one of the most promising Pulmonologists in Mumbai with distinction in dealing with ILD, COPD, Asthma and TB. He is the Head of ICU at Sujay Hospital and Chief Pulmonologist.

Dr Gawande is the founder of 'The Lung Health Centre'.

Dr Gawande was recently awarded as a "Frontline Warrior" for his extensive work with post Covid Fibrosis and it's Sequelae.

This COVID Pandemic has taken a lot from all of us in the world, and we are still not seeing the end of this tunnel. Since its inception there have been many questions and confusions about this vaccine. We still don't have all the information but I will try to answer all these questions to the best of my knowledge.

1. When is the COVID vaccine likely to be available?

The government is in process of making protocols for distribution so we should see it in about 2 months for general public.

2. Do we all need to take it?

Yes, I recommend that everyone should take it. It will have more benefits for the population with minimal risks.

3. Who will get it first?

The Frontline workers and staff, civil servants, police, army, politicians and their relatives will likely get it first.

4. Is the vaccine safe? What are the side effects expected?

The safety and efficacy of the vaccine has been thoroughly examined by drug regulatory committee of India.

Most common side effects observed and reported so far are mild fever, local pain, body aches.

5. What is the recommended dose and schedule?

Two doses given 28 days apart.

6. Do you need to take it even if you had COVID?

Yes, it will create a better antibody protection against the virus.

7. Will the vaccine help if i have an active COVID infection?

No, it may not help with an active infection but it is preferable to take the vaccine after 2-3 weeks post infection.

8. Can a pregnant lady or a lactating mother take the vaccine?

Unfortunately, no company has yet tested the vaccine in pregnancy. Also, CDC has advised against giving the vaccine to pregnant and lactating mothers as of now.

9. If i'm Diabetic, heart, kidney, lung patient, should i take the vaccine?

Yes, it will definitely help people in immunocompromised state to have better immunity and protection against COVID.

10. How many days after getting vaccine, would I develop protection?

Best protection will mostly start 2 weeks after the second dose. Its efficacy is claimed to be around 70-90% but studies are still underway.

11. How long will the vaccine provide immunity?

It's too soon to predict that. Studies are underway, as the vaccine reaches the masses, we will have more information and clarity of the matter.

12. Can I roam around without a mask once I am vaccinated?

No, not as of now. It would be wise to continue to wear masks until we have studies of post vaccination antibody response.

Always remember...

No vaccine gives 100% protection.

Please continue to wear mask, observe physical distance and sanitize hands for some more time.Stay safe.

Dr. Amit P Gawnde

Consultant Pulmonologist

Critical Care Specialist

Sujay Hospital (Head Of ICU)

www.thelunghealthcentre.in

Tel - 9619514323

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