Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccination

COVID-19 Vaccine Safety Questions

Many people have questions about the COVID-19 vaccine safety. Here, you can find a compilation of some of the most frequently asked questions on COVID-19 vaccines and their answers.

Is the vaccine trustworthy, given the fact that they were rushed for public inoculations?

New technology has indeed been used for the COVID-19 vaccines. The development of these vaccines has been completed in record time as well but the regulators haven't skipped any steps.

Will I be infected by the coronavirus due to the vaccine?

No, the vaccines cannot give you COVID-19 infection. Instead, the vaccine helps your body's immune system to recognize and fight the infection.

Do I need to be worried about what the vaccine contains?

The list of ingredients for Moderna, Pfizer, Covishield and Covaxin vaccines has been released. All the ingredients make the vaccine stable or more effective. 

Why do I need the vaccine if the survival rate of COVID-19 is high?

While most people recover from COVID-19 infections, some develop severe complications and others end up dying from it. The infection might also cause some long term health issues that are still unknown.

How many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do I need?

The Covidshield and Covaxin vaccines have two doses. There is a booster dose after the first dose. The stipulated amount of time between the two doses is 24 to 28 days. 

How does the Covidshield vaccine work?

The Covidshield vaccine is developed by researchers from the University of Oxford. The vaccine contains a respiratory virus that is known to affect chimpanzees. The ability of the virus to replicate has been destroyed and its genetic material tweaked for producing the spike protein of the novel coronavirus. When the vaccine is injected into the body, it produces the spike protein which provokes a reaction from the immune system. 

Who should and should not get the Covidshield vaccine?

The Covidshield vaccine has restricted approval for use in emergencies among individuals aged 18 or above. People who shouldn’t get the vaccine include:

• Those who have an extreme allergic reaction to a previous dose of the vaccine
• Those who are allergic to any of the ingredients of the vaccine.

 What if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

Consult a doctor to explore your options. 

What to mention to healthcare providers before getting the vaccine?

Mention about all of your medical conditions, including:

• If you have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner
• If you are immunocompromised
• If you have a bleeding disorder
• If you have a fever
• If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction