Explained: All you need to know about COVID-19 vaccines, how to register for vaccination

Representational Image | Credit: Satej Shinde

Vaccines have become the most important weapon in the fight to curb the rapid spread of COVID-19 infection across the world. Vaccine makers are working overtime to meet the demand for COVID vaccines globally. Vaccine development is a long process that includes research, clinical trials that involves testing with animals, trials with humans in phases and other rigorous safety processes to ensure that the vaccine is safe and effective when it is rolled out.

According to experts, some people get fever, body ache, sore arm and few odd side-effects after taking vaccine jabs, which usually lasts for a few days and can be controlled by taking paracetamols.

To understand the COVID-19 vaccines and details related to it, mid-day online spoke to two Mumbai-based senior doctors; Dr. Daksha Shah, deputy executive health officer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation and Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute.

Here are excerpts from the interview

Can you explain about vaccines and how does it work?

Dr. Daksha Shah

Dr. Daksha Shah, deputy executive health officer of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) explains, "A vaccine is a biological substance designed to stimulate the immune system. There are different types of vaccines, the most common ones being - live-attenuated vaccine and inactivated vaccine.

Live vaccines use a weakened (or attenuated) form of the germ that causes a disease. These vaccines are similar to the natural infection and they help prevent it. They also create a strong and long-lasting immune response.

However, the drawback of live vaccines is that they cannot be administered on people with a weak immune system. Therefore, patients who have gone through heart-transplant, patients on steroids, HIV positive patients, etc. should consult their doctor before getting a live vaccine.

Covishield, a covid vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India is a live-attenuated vaccine.

Inactivated vaccines use the killed version of the germ that causes a disease. Inactivated vaccines are usually slower and less strong than live vaccines. So, one may need several doses over time (booster shots) in order to get ongoing immunity against diseases.

Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech is an inactivated vaccine."

Who can take vaccines?

"Most influenza vaccines are inactivated vaccines and they can are safe for almost everyone. However, like I mentioned earlier, people with compromised immunity, for example, heart-transplant patients, HIV positive patients, patients on steroids or Hepatitis patients are advised to consult their doctor before taking the jab. Each vaccine has different indications and types and different guidelines are issued for their administration," explains Dr. Shah.

What risks do comorbid people face?

Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora

Dr. Santosh Kumar Dora, Senior Cardiologist, Asian Heart Institute says, "Association of comorbid conditions makes a person more susceptible to COVID infection related complication irrespective of age group. These comorbid conditions include heart failure, decreased ventricular pumping function, post heart transplant patients, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, pulmonary artery hypertension, patients with kidney and liver transplant, patients needing hemodialysis, use of steroids or immunosuppressant drugs, liver cirrhosis, significant respiratory disease i.e bronchial asthma and obstructive and restrictive lung disease, hematological malignancy, patients with cancer or taking chemotherapy for cancer, patients with bone marrow disease, HIV infection, patients with physical or intellectual disabilities.

What are the things to keep in mind before getting the COVID-19 jab?

"Covid-19 vaccines are by and large very safe and there is nothing to be afraid of. In very few cases, there may be fever, headache, body ache which can be very well controlled by paracetamols. People who are taking blood thinners need not stop them to take the vaccine. If you have anaphylaxis (severe allergic reaction) to 1st dose of Covid-19 vaccine, you are not supposed to take the second dose. Pregnancy and lactating mothers are not fit for Covid-19 vaccine as of now. Vaccine trial results of below 18 year of age are still not out, thus it is still not medically recommended to this age group," Dr. Dora adds.

Do smokers and alcohol consumers face risks?

"Smoking affects lungs. So smokers are more vulnerable to Covid-19 related lung damage as they already have lung damage due to smoking," says Dr. Dora. "Alcohol decreases the body's fighting mechanism against Covid-19 infection. Thus, these patients are vulnerable to Covid-19 infection. However, they can take Covid-19 vaccine. Smoking should be stopped completely as a part of health advisory. Alcohol preferably should not be consumed during and till a few days after vaccination."

Why do we need a second dosage?

The first dosage stimulates initial immune response in the body. The body develops immunity against Covid-19 only after 2-3 weeks, however, this immunity reduces after eight weeks. The second dosage prolongs the immunity period, thus, making it more effacacious. Many vaccines, including the ones used against Polio and Hepatitis-B, require multiple dosages for them to be effective.

FAQs on the Co-WIN portal

How to register?

You can log into the Co-WIN portal using the link www.cowin.gov.in and click on the "Register/Sign In Yourself" tab to register for COVID-19 vaccination.

Which age groups can register for vaccination on the Co-WIN portal?

At present all citizens above 60 years of age and those between the age of 45 and 59 years with one of the specified comorbidities can register for vaccination. However, as per government mandate, all people over the age of 45 will be eligible to get vaccinated starting April 1.

Is online registration mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination?

No. Vaccination Centres also provide for a limited number of on-spot registration slots every day. However, it is recommended to register online and schedule vaccination in advance for a hassle-free vaccination experience.

How many people can be registered in the Co-WIN portal through one mobile number?

Up to 4 people can be registered for vaccination using the same mobile number.

Is there any registration charge to be paid?

No. There is no registration charge.

Is it necessary to take second dose of vaccination?

Yes. It is recommended that both doses of vaccine should be taken for realising the full benefit of vaccination. Both doses must be of the same vaccine type.

Will the second dose appointment be automatically scheduled by Co-WIN system?

No. You have to take an appointment for the second dose vaccination. The Co-WIN system will help you book an appointment in a Vaccination Centre where the same vaccine is being administered as the vaccine type (COVAXIN or COVISHIELD) of the first dose.

What precautions should I take at the time of second dose vaccination?

The Vaccination Centres have been directed to ensure that if a citizen is being vaccinated with second dose, they should confirm that the first dose vaccination was done with the same vaccine as is being offered at the time of second dose and that the first dose was administered more than 28 days ago. You should share the correct information about the vaccine type and the date of first dose vaccination with the vaccinator. You should carry your vaccine certificate issued after the first dose.

Whom to contact in case of side effects from vaccination?

You can call on the national helpline ‘1075' for information and guidance if you experience any side effects post COVID-19 vaccination. You may also contact the Vaccination Centre where you took vaccination, for advice.

Is vaccination free at all vaccination centres?

No. Vaccination is free at Government hospitals and charged up to Rs. 250 per dose in Private hospitals. Citizens can get this information on the Co-WIN portal while booking an appointment.

Can the vaccine be chosen?

All vaccines being offered are safe. Choice regarding the type of vaccine is currently not available.