Germs and viruses are everywhere, both in our surroundings and in our bodies. When someone comes in contact with harmful pathogens, our body usually activates its immune system and protects itself against harmful organisms in many ways.
But when someone gets seriously infected (like Covid-19), it can lead to multiple illnesses and even death.
Why get vaccinated?
Coronavirus can be a serious threat to unvaccinated people. People who get COVID-19 can become critically ill and even need hospitalization. As witnessed, some continue to have health problems for many weeks or even longer after getting infected. Even asymptomatic people who did not show any symptoms were found infected and faced health consequences later.
The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak is more severe and spreads quicker than the previous ones. Hence, the government and health experts are recommending getting vaccinated on a priority basis.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines help people strengthen protection against a virus or other germ. A vaccine includes a less harmful part of that germ or something created similar to it, which is jabbed into a person's body. The body's immune system forms antibodies that fight the virus and keep the person from getting the infection. Later, if the person encounters that virus again, their immune system can "remember" it and "recall" how to fight it off.
Covid-19 Vaccination and Immunity
Vaccines do not boost immunity instantly. It takes at least two weeks for the vaccination to start working and building protection. The current COVID-19 vaccination in India works on a two-dose system.
The immune starts responding after the first dose that takes two weeks, and the second dose further boosts the immune system and makes it stronger but relatively in a shorter period after the initial jab.
Break The Chain of Transmission
Vaccination may develop coronavirus antibodies to help neutralize the disease and break this transmission chain. Once most people have been vaccinated and have the vaccine, and contain antibodies against the virus, the possibilities of spread will become less.
Please don't believe the myths revolving around the Covid-19 vaccine. It is always better to consult a health professional if you have any doubts.
Benefits of Getting Covid-19 Vaccination
- Covid-19 vaccines are effective and can reduce the risk of infection and the spread of the virus that causes Covid-19.
- Also, protects against seasonal infection as it strengthens overall immunity.
- Once vaccinated, people can return to 90 percent of their ordinary life, but they'll still need to follow proper safety guidelines as stated by the government.
- By getting vaccinated you are less likely to become a carrier of the coronavirus. Thus, also protecting those who can't get the vaccine. (Small children and people with comorbidities)
Major vaccines approved by WHO globally
- Moderna (mRNA-1273)
- Serum Institute of India Covishield (Oxford/AstraZeneca formulation)
- Pfizer/BioNTech (BNT162b2)
- Covaxin (Bharat Biotech)
- Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) Ad26.COV2.S
- Sinopharm (Beijing) BBIBP-CorV (Vero Cells)
- Oxford/AstraZeneca AZD1222
- Sinovac CoronaVac
The UN has not approved Sputnik V, but it has been authorized for emergency use in 70 countries.
Final Words
The worldwide effort to create reliable and effective COVID-19 vaccines is bearing fruits, and many more remain in the pipeline.
As they say, prevention is better than cure. What we have is a body full of immunities. But if we want to enhance our resistance against lethal viruses like Covid-19, it's our responsibility to get a vaccine to protect ourselves and others as well.