As the Coronavirus pandemic is soaring high, scientists around the world are trying to produce a vaccine against the disease with a united effort. In recent months, some vaccines are introduced that has offered protection from infection.
Although vaccines are here to prevent us from the illness, it comes with many types of risks and side effects. That is why scientists are not only trying to improve the potential of the vaccine, they are also trying to reduce and minimize the side effects the medicine can cause.
So, it’s an ongoing battle and against time, because we need the most efficient and effective vaccine as soon as possible.
Some vaccines that are now being introduced include Sinovac, Sinopharm, Moderna, Pfizer BioNTech, Johnson and Johnson’s and more are adding to the list.
Some dose of vaccines of covid-19 is administered only once while some are administered in two or three doses. These types of vaccines are called ‘Booster’ for example ‘Moderna booster shot’.
Who needs to be Vaccinated Foremost?
After the introduction of vaccines, the health care personnel and health service provider are the first to be vaccinated. As they are always in contact with other people and patients with Covid-19, it is necessary for them to be fit to fulfil their jobs as health care providers.
Who else can get Vaccinated?
Any person that has comorbidities (have two or more diseases co-existing at once) like Diabetes, Obesity, Chronic lung disease, Hepatitis, Cardiac disease or Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is advised to be vaccinated first.
These comorbidities can increase the risk of getting the infection which can be fatal with these diseases already attacking the body.
All are equally at risk of getting the disease and should be given the choice to get vaccinated, but people with comorbidities and elderly people over the age of 65, are more likely to fall prey to this life-threatening disease.
A previously infected person with Covid-19 should also get vaccinated and any person above the age of 18 years can also get vaccinated.
Can Pregnant or Lactating Mothers get Vaccinated?
The use of vaccination on pregnant women is recommended when the benefit of the vaccine is greater than the potential risk of the dose. WHO does not recommend delaying or terminate the pregnancy because of the use of the vaccine.
Lactating mothers can also get vaccinated like other adults and is not even advised to stop lactating after getting a vaccine of Covid-19.
Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY)
Pfizer-BioNTech (COMIRNATY) is recommended for anyone above the age of 12 years. Some reports of myocarditis and pericarditis have been surfaced after the administration of the second dose more than after the first dose.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/Pfizer-BioNTech.html These reports are rare and the potential risk of getting myocarditis and pericarditis is less than the risk of getting infected with a disease like covid-19.
People with severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis should avoid taking the shot and should always consult with their doctor first before getting any type of medicine or vaccine.
Moderna
Moderna vaccine is also administered in 2 shots but some immunocompromised people can get 3 shots. All the Moderna booster shots must be 28 days apart. Moderna is recommended for people of age 18 years or above.
This vaccine is also reported to have similar symptoms of developing myocarditis and pericarditis in adolescents like Pfizer-BioNTech.
It is not recommended for people with severe allergic reactions or anaphylaxis. And if you develop an allergic reaction (even a minor one) after the first dose, you should not go for the Moderna vaccine booster shot.
At the moment, Moderna booster shots are not being administered and more information about the safety measures and effectiveness of the vaccine will be available for the public regarding the use of Modern booster shots.