It has been one and a half years since the world has been in pandemic mode. Initially the virus caught us off-guard when it started to spread to different parts of the world. As the virus was unknown and our healthcare infrastructure needed time to prepare to handle the magnitude of havoc the virus was about to wreck, the nation went into lockdown. There was no known method of treatment or medicine that would effectively counter this virus when the pandemic started. But thanks to the quick turnaround time of our healthcare professionals and researchers, we now have more knowledge about the virus. Today we have a hands-on experience in treating the Covid patients and more than that we have vaccination to fight this infection.

Let us go back in time when several infectious diseases had gripped the world. Chickenpox, measles, mumps, polio and other common diseases were brought under control through vaccines. When the majority of the population is vaccinated, the minor population with the disease cannot spread it. Thus, the spread of the disease is curbed. Now, we need that large scale vaccination to happen to bring the raging coronavirus under control.

What about Herd immunity?

As of May first week, the Covid R rate(reproductive rate) stands at 1.44 per cent of the population. What does this figure mean? It indicates that a covid infected individual is spreading it to one and a half people. So are we heading towards herd immunity? For the people who do not know, herd immunity is when the majority of the population has been naturally infected with a disease and have developed antibodies against it or have been vaccinated. If that happens the infected person can spread, it to only people who aren’t immune thus applying brakes on the spread.

For a country like India which has the second-largest population in the world, letting people get infected until most of them are immune and halt the spread will lead to the death of millions of people. It should be noted that children will be born without immunity and gradually there will be more people susceptible to the infection. That’s why herd immunity is temporary and cannot be implemented in the case of coronavirus. A large part of the population is still vulnerable to Covid-19 infection and this indicates that we are nowhere near herd immunity.

Third-wave is inevitable

India is in the second wave of COVID-19. Other countries have witnessed the third wave and are gearing up for the fourth wave. Experts have predicted that a third wave is inevitable and we should be prepared for new waves. New variants of the virus are being found in India and all over the world which is capable of increasing transmission. Even immune evasive variants will emerge in future and we need to be prepared for all these.

Vaccination is the best weapon

The best way to fight the virus isthrough inoculation. Getting the jab and protecting ourselves has to be the priority.  Over 2.5 crore people in India have already received both doses of the vaccines. However, what is hindering the progress in inoculation drive is the unavailability of vaccines. Though, the central government has given a go ahead to inoculate people above the age group of 18 starting from May 1st, the process has been either delayed or stalled by the state governments due to reduced production or unavailability of both vaccines Covishied and Covaxin.  Now the first priority is given to people who are yet to receive their second dose of vaccine.

Inoculating children is gaining prominence as now it is evident that kids are also susceptible to this virus with the increasing number of cases. Vaccine manufacturing companies have already received approval and have started their trialsin order to get the vaccine for the kids which has brought hope among parents. Soon after the trial, people from all age groups are going to get vaccinated which will help in eradicating this virus.

It is important for everyone to understand the significance of vaccines and take the jab as soon as they are made available.Along with the vaccine, follow COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, stay away from the crowd and keep your spirits high and we all shall be able to tide over this.

Dr.Pradeep Rangappa
Senior Consultant – Critical Care
Columbia Asia Referral Hospital, Yeshwanthpur

The post Vaccine is the best way to get the world out of pandemic mode appeared first on Health Vision.

Vaccinations are one of the most important contributions to public health and have helped the human civilization battle epidemic and endemic diseases. Smallpox and measles are two primary examples of diseases that took away the lives of millions until vaccination was introduced. Since then society has achieved total eradication of smallpox and brought the spread of measles under control through vaccination alone. Polio, which was widely prevalent is India, is a more recent example of a disease that has been brought under control through vaccination and is on its way to extinction.

While there is a long way to go and research is underway to examine the scope of vaccination to halt major diseases of today like cancer and AIDS, childhood and adult vaccinations to prevent diseases such as Hepatitis B, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Influenza, Chickenpox, Polio, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, among many others are widely used today.

Myth #1: Giving my child a vaccination will make them fall ill

Fact: A vaccination contains a very washed down, dilute or inactive strain of the disease causing virus. The purpose of the vaccine is to nudge the child’s immune system into producing the antibodies required to defend the body against the virus. Sometimes the child may develop a reaction from the body such as a mild fever but this is temporary and a normal reaction. The virus is not strong enough to cause a full blown disease in the person.

Myth #2: My child will develop immunity through natural methods

Fact: Building one’s immune system comprises of many other factors such as genetic make-up, healthy diet, active lifestyle, good living environment, etc and vaccinations form a part of this system. Vaccinations will help your child build immunity against some of the more common and dangerous strains of viruses prevalent today. This is not to say that your child will not be able to produce antibodies to fight the disease should it strike them some day.

Myth #3: My child will be able to battle the disease when it comes

Fact: Vaccinations are just a way to safeguard oneself from the virus and prevent having to endure the trauma and pain of battling the disease. A child who has had a chickenpox vaccine has far less risk of contracting chickenpox and going through the entire course of the disease (sometimes the child has to miss out a significant portion of their developmental period to heal from chickenpox, for eg missing a year of school) that a child who hasn’t.

Myth #4: There is no danger from these diseases anymore

Fact: Vaccination has the potential to completely eradicate a disease as in the example of small-pox. Once the disease is completely eradicated and this has been recognized globally, only then is it advisable to ignore a vaccine. Until then, it is the responsibility of society at large to help prevent the disease’s progression onto the next generation. Vaccination is an extremely effective way of doing this.

Myth #5: I don’t need a vaccination once I have grown up

Fact: Although many adults avoid vaccinations, it is advisable to go for regular follow ups or booster shots for tetanus, diphtheria, Hepatitis, meningitis etc. Depending on situations, age, health status etc, certain vaccines are recommended. For example, it is mandatory for people travelling to a place like Africa to take a shot for yellow fever or to take TB, typhoid shots before travelling to European countries etc. Older people are advised to take a pneumococcal vaccine as they are prone to developing pneumonia beyond the age of 60.

Sometimes people are not entirely aware of vaccinations and do not completely trust the benefits, however rest assured that all vaccinations recommended by doctors today, particularly for the newborn infant are well-tested for safety and efficacy through medical trials and testing before it is introduced to the market.

Dr. Brunda M S

Consultant – Internal Medicine

Aster CMI Hospital,Bengaluru

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