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Vaccines stimulate the production of antibodies and provide immunity against several diseases. They are usually prepared from the disease-causing agent or a substitute, treated to act as an antigen without inducing the disease. Vaccines have prevented countless diseases and saved millions of lives over the years. Vaccines are available for various ailments for infants, children, adolescents, and adults, depending on health conditions.
What are Vaccines?
Vaccines are medical treatments that help the body's immune system recognize and fight diseases. They stimulate the production of antibodies in the body, providing immunity against specific diseases.
Did you know that vaccines for adults are just as important as for children? They help protect against serious diseases like flu, pneumonia, and even cancer, keeping you healthier for longer. A vaccine contains weakened or synthetically made versions of germs or parts of germs. When a vaccine is administered, the immune system responds to the antigens in the same way as it would to the actual germ
What is Immunisation?
Immunisation makes the body resistant to diseases, usually through vaccines. Through immunization, the immune system is stimulated to identify pathogens, viruses, or bacteria. The body produces a self-immune response by creating antibodies. Immunisation also helps prevent serious health issues like measles, polio, and tetanus. It reduces the spread of contagious diseases. According to a report by WHO, 154 million lives have been saved in the last 50 years by global immunisation.
National Immunisation Day
National Immunisation Day, or National Vaccination Day, is celebrated in India on March 16 each year. This day commemorates the introduction of Polio vaccines in India, leading to the launch of the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme in 1995.
National Immunisation Day highlights the efforts of healthcare workers who ensure vaccination for every child. Each year, government authorities set specific themes that emphasize the necessity of safe and effective vaccinations to safeguard all human lives from preventable diseases, regardless of age, gender, location, or socioeconomic status.
What are the Benefits of Vaccination?
Understanding the benefits of vaccines is crucial in safeguarding your health and preventing serious diseases. Vaccination helps the body stop an infection before it starts. It is one of the most effective public health interventions ever developed.
- Vaccination is important to prevent the spread of infectious illnesses within populations.
- It also enhances immunity to specific viruses or bacteria.
- Vaccination protects vulnerable populations, such as infants, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals.
- Vaccination is an inexpensive public health measure that saves lives and prevents long-term health consequences caused by infectious diseases.
Types of Vaccines
Below are the vaccines recommended and authorised by most government bodies and doctors to keep people safe from outbreaks in the future:
| Vaccine | Disease | Symptoms and effects |
|---|---|---|
|
Varicella vaccine |
Chickenpox |
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Toxoid vaccine |
Diphtheria |
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|
Nasovac-S Vaccine |
Flu (influenza) |
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|
Biovac A Vaccine |
Hepatitis A |
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|
Energix B, and Recombivax HB |
Hepatitis B |
|
|
Hib Conjugate Vaccine |
HPV (Human Papillomavirus) |
|
|
Tresivac |
Measles |
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Meningococcal conjugate vaccine |
Meningococcal |
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|
MMR vaccine |
Mumps |
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|
Pulse Polio |
Polio (Poliomyelitis) |
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Tetanus Vaccine |
Tetanus (Lockjaw) |
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Covieshield and Covaxin |
Covid-19 |
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|
Pneumococcal |
Pneumonia |
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|
BCG |
Tuberculosis (TB) |
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|
Human papillomavirus vaccine |
Genital warts and other HPV-caused cancers |
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Rabies vaccine |
Rabies virus |
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Engerix-B, Heplisav-B, and Recombivax HB |
Hepatitis B |
|
|
Rotarix (RV1), RotaTeq (RV5) |
Rotavirus |
|
What are the Common Side Effects of Vaccines?
Most side effects after vaccination are mild and indicate your body is building immunity. Common side effects include:
- Redness, swelling, or redness on injection location
- Mild fever
- Headache
- Muscle and joint aches
- Chills
- Feeling tired
- Fainting
As COVID-19 vaccines continue to play a vital role in managing the global pandemic, three vaccines have gained significant attention in India: Covaxin, Covishield, and Sputnik V.
Comparison of Covaxin, Covishield, and Sputnik V
A common topic of discussion has been the differences between vaccines. People are confused about which jab they should get, as there have been endless speculations regarding the efficacies of COVID-19 vaccines against coronavirus.
The following table provides a detailed comparison of Covaxin, Covishield, and Sputnik V.
| Feature | Covishield | Covaxin | Sputnik V |
|---|---|---|---|
| Developer | University of Oxford & AstraZeneca, produced by Serum Institute of India | Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR-NIV | Gamaleya Research Institute, Russia |
| Type | Viral vector vaccine (adenovirus-based) | Inactivated virus vaccine with immune-potentiators | Viral vector vaccine (adenovirus-based, two different vectors) |
| How it Works | Contains a genetic part of the coronavirus to stimulate an immune response | Uses vaccine adjuvants to enhance immune response and provide protection | Uses two different adenoviral vectors for two doses to build stronger immunity |
| Efficacy | 70.4% (up to 90% after both doses) | 93.4% (against severe COVID-19), 63.6% (against asymptomatic cases) | 91.6% |
| Doses | Two doses of 0.5 ml, 12-16 weeks apart | Two doses, 28 days apart | Two doses, 21 days apart |
| Age Eligibility | 12 years and above | 18 years and above | 18 years and above |
| Common Side Effects | Pain, tenderness, or itching at injection site, fever, chills, fatigue, nausea, joint pain, sore throat, diarrhoea | Redness at injection site, stiffness in upper arm, fever, tiredness, body ache | Fatigue, chills, fever, sore throat, redness, itchiness at injection site, muscle pain |
| Manufacturer | Serum Institute of India | Bharat Biotech | Gamaleya Research Institute, Russia |
Post-Vaccination Guidelines and Health Measures
Post-vaccination care is important for all vaccines. One must take care of their body after a few days of getting vaccinated in the following ways:
| Category | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Stay Hydrated | Staying hydrated can help manage side effects such as fatigue, fever, and muscle aches. Dehydration weakens the immune system, so proper hydration aids recovery. |
| Modify Exercise | It is recommended to avoid high-intensity workouts for 48-72 hours after vaccination to prevent prolonged muscle soreness. Resting won’t affect fitness progress but will help your body heal. |
| Eat a Balanced Diet | Consume a balanced diet of home-cooked meals rich in proteins, iron, vitamins, and healthy carbohydrates (such as dal, meat, paneer, vegetables, roti, and rice). It is also advisable to avoid processed and raw foods to minimize the risk of infections. |
| Prioritise Sleep | Adequate sleep (7-8 hours) is important for antibody production and vaccine effectiveness. |
| Avoid Alcohol & Smoking | It is advisable to avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they can worsen side effects and weaken the immune response. |
How To Register For COVID-19 Vaccine in India?
The government has also eased the vaccination registration by launching the CoWIN portal.
- Download the Aarogya Setu app and go to the CoWIN tab.
- Select Register Now and enter your phone number to verify with OTP.
- After verification, fill in your personal details (name, age, gender, photo ID proof like Aadhaar or voter ID).
- Provide eligibility proof: Register if you're 60+ or confirm comorbidities for those 45+ with a medical certificate.
- You can register up to 4 beneficiaries and schedule appointments by selecting a nearby vaccination centre.
- Choose your preferred date and time, then confirm your booking.
- Receive an appointment confirmation and details on your registered phone number.
Vaccines and Need for Health Insurance
While vaccines offer significant protection against severe COVID-19, including reducing hospitalization and the risk of death, it's important to note that breakthrough infections can still occur, and individuals may carry the virus asymptomatically. The COVID-19 pandemic highlights the need for health insurance to protect against emergencies. A good health insurance plan covers critical illnesses, including COVID-19, and offers benefits like cashless hospitalization, medical expenses, and tax savings. Health insurance is particularly vital for seniors. Care Senior offers comprehensive coverage with affordable premiums, helping secure health and financial well-being, including coverage for medical expenses that may arise even after vaccination.
In a Nutshell
Exploring the vaccines benefits can help you make informed decisions to protect yourself and your loved ones. Immunisations are a fundamental part of primary health care and an absolute human right. It is also one of the indispensable health investments that can’t be avoided.
While getting vaccinated and understanding different types of vaccines is necessary, one should always be aware of getting comprehensive health insurance in place to get financial assistance for unforeseen medical emergencies. Care Health Insurance ensures you don't have to spend out of your pocket for hospitalisation expenses and be financially burdened. So, ensure you know the vaccinations that prevent critical illnesses and the importance of investing in health insurance.
Disclaimer: The information mentioned above is for reference purposes only. Consult your doctor or health expert before deciding on any vaccination/immunisation.
