02 April,2021 04:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Vishal Singh
While some questions seemed hilarious, others reflected genuine concerns. Pic/Suresh Karkera
Can I drink or smoke after vaccination? Do I have a choice of vaccine? Can I take the vaccine while I am positive and asymptomatic? As vaccine delivery was opened to people above 45 years on Thursday, beneficiaries flooded doctors at BYL Nair Hospital with countless queries. While some seemed hilarious, others reflected genuine concerns. The hospital immunised 207 people under the new category during the day.
Covishield or Covixin? This was the most dominant doubt on the minds of the vaccine-seekers. doctors explained that both vaccines are equally safe and none causes any side effects.
As alcohol fans sought to know if downing their favourite shots could trigger troubles after the vaccine shots, doctors simply asked them not to mix the two. "Alcohol should not be consumed for two days before taking the vaccine and for the next seven days. Alcohol is forbidden because one might get a fever or body ache after the vaccine. If a person on the vaccine is intoxicated, then he is suffering or not is not known," said a doctor.
Few wanted to know if the vaccines are safe since they were allergic to some things 3-4 years ago.
More questions poured in over Covishield and Covaxin. "People who have taken Covishield develop fever, but there is nothing of that sort in case of Covaxin," asked a beneficiary. A doctor explained that there is no substance in this theory.
Those who have had COVID wanted to know about any potential side effects considering that they were once victims. The jabs are safe for such people, said doctors.
Rajiv Raut, who has an electronics shop in Chira Bazaar, was worried after receiving a message that said a new variant of COVID has emerged and no vaccine can control it. "After consulting the doctor, I learnt that rumours are being spread about the vaccine. If you want to avoid the disease, it is important to trust the doctor. If the doctor says the vaccine is good, then it's good," said the 52-year-old.
Kameshwar Soni, 55, who works with a jeweller, said he too had come with certain doubts but the Nair doctors cleared all.
Dr Vishal Rakh, a supervisor at the vaccine centre of the hospital, they are open to all sorts of queries. "People have no problem in getting the vaccine but they have doubts because of the things heard or read by them."
Dean Ramesh Bharmal told mid-day, "More than 700 people are being vaccinated daily at Nair hospital. People are getting good responses for getting vaccinated."
Which one is better - Covishield or Covaxin?
Both are equally effective and none have any side effects
Is it safe to drink after taking the jab?
Avoid alcohol two days before the vaccine and after 7 days of vaccination
Does the vaccine trigger problems in those who have had COVID?
Not at all
