Covid vaccine-senior citizens of Patiala vaccinated at Columbia Asia hospital
Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in
With the largest inoculation vaccine drive 2nd Phase that started on 1st March, India has successfully administered the first jab of vaccine to lakhs of senior citizens and people with age of 45 plus years with comorbidities. Two made-in-India vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin were administered to priority groups in the past 5 days. Thousands of people in Patiala received their first shot while others are awaiting their turn. 30 senior citizens of Patiala at Columbia Asia Hospital Patiala including both males & females received their first jab with pride and a sense of relief.
India which had seen a severe virus outbreak has rolled out the vaccine at the earliest among the other Asian countries. The vaccine has come as a sigh of relief for people and could aid in ending the COVID trauma experienced by people over the last 11 months.
Let’s understand all about the COVID-19 vaccination drive in India:
- There are two made-in-India vaccines, Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute and Covaxin, made by Bharat Biotech
- Two doses will be injected within a gap of 28 days, the effectiveness will begin 14 days after the second dose
- The vaccine has been introduced only after approval from the regulatory bodies. The authorities are making sure that the vaccines are kept at 2-8 degree Celsius during transit and storage
- Possible side-effects include pain at the injection site, mild fever, fatigue, allergies, nausea, etc which can be relieved by simple medication
- People with a previous history of Covid-19 infection, chronic diseases and comorbidities, immunodeficiency or HIV are considered safe to receive the vaccine
- The vaccine will be given to senior citizens and people aged 45+ with comorbidities during second phase of drive.
- Those who wish to register for the vaccine can do the same through CoWIN website using a government photo ID. Information on the allocated date and time will be sent to the given mobile number via an SMS
The recipients of the vaccine have been found to be safe without much side effects so far. While this vaccine administration is voluntary, it is recommended to take the vaccine for protection against COVID-19. Also, it is mandatory to wear mask and follow the COVID protocols like social distancing and washing or sanitising hands even after the vaccine has been administered.
India has the capability and experience in conducting massive vaccination drives in the past, the ongoing drive will also continue in the same manner with the support of the frontline workers and government officials. During these unprecedented times, the rollout of vaccination drive will certainly be a boon for the country in terms of effective health infrastructure and economic recovery.
March 5,2021
