Everyone is looking forward to some joy, good news and optimism in the New Year. In a few days from now, the much awaited vaccine to deal with the dreaded virus, will be made available to the public.
This news brings relief for everyone who has been living with anxiety and stress.
For several months now, Apollo Hospital Group, which has been the most trusted name in Healthcare, has been in touch with some of the most reputed pharma companies in India and abroad, for these vaccines.
Their team swiftly moved into action as soon as the lockdown was declared, and was prepared to deal with the crises whilst keeping all the necessary guidelines in place.
Apollo set up COVID Care Centres within societies, organizations and neighbourhoods bringing effective ‘Home Care and Quarantine’ packages to assist people. Apollo Diagnostic labs provided non-stop services, which included home testing and delivery of lab reports.
Over the last few months, Dialysis patients have been able to continue their procedures twice a week, thanks to COVID-free Apollo Dialysis Clinics maintaining a near-zero infection transfer rate.
Now that a vaccine is being readied, it is once again preparing to step up the gears.
WHY APOLLO?
The Apollo Group has been offering healthcare services to the public for over 37 years, earning the goodwill and trust of the people. It has:
- 19 medicine supply hubs with cold chain facilities
- 70+ hospitals
- 400+ clinics
- 500 corporate health centres
- 4,000 pharmacies
Being the largest private organisation to offer the vaccine, the Apollo group has the logistical bandwidth to ensure massive administration capacity of COVID-19 vaccines.
It will be available at all Apollo Hospitals and Healthcare facilities across India. Care has been taken for this to be administered by highly trained medical staff exclusively and it shall not be available over-the-counter.
WHEN?
Once the Government of India announces the official date, it will be released across all AHLL facilities.
CAN DIALYSIS PATIENTS TAKE THE VACCINE?
Dialysis patients are categorised as High Risk patients, and though they will be given the vaccine, it will only be after other tests and confirmation.
Any person with severe allergy to any of the components of the vaccines will also need to take extra caution.
WHAT SHOULD DIALYSIS PATIENTS DO IN THIS SCENARIO?
As of now, it is best to continue following all the stringent measures to keep safe. All Apollo Dialysis Clinics are Covid-free zones, and patients can safely visit them for their procedures.
At no cost should they delay or avoid the same, as it may cause complications.
WHAT WILL THE VACCINE DOSE BE?
The vaccine comprises 2 doses. The gap between these 2 doses will be declared soon, and will be as per the pharma company guidelines.
HOW EFFECTIVE IS IT?
Depending on the age, health and individual constitution of a person, the vaccine will have mildly different impacts and efficacy may range from 70 to 96% depending on multiple factors.
Available for everyone across the board, this vaccine can be safely administered, but only after consultation with a physician, especially for pregnant women and for high-risk individuals.
HOW LONG IS IT EFFECTIVE?
According to experts, a vaccinated person will develop antibodies that will keep him/her safe from Corona for upto a year. Even if such a person is infected, their chances of becoming seriously ill will be minimal.
A vaccinated person will also protect the people around, by not posing a risk. This is especially important in situations where there are high-risk family members – like the elderly, the unwell or pregnant women.
WHAT WILL IT COST?
The price will be as per the Government of India’s directives. The team at Apollo will take extra care to ensure that it can be within everybody’s reach.
HAS IT BEEN TESTED ON OTHERS?
The vaccine has been tested in limited batches on willing volunteers, and so far the results have been optimistic. It continues to be tested, as the virus has surfaced with multiple strains, thus impacting people with varied symptoms and intensities.
IS IT GOING TO HAVE SIDE EFFECTS?
Since every individual reacts differently, the efficacy and side effects may vary mildly. These include: slight soreness or pain where vaccinated, mild fever, fatigue, headaches or mild flu-like symptoms etc, for approximately a week.
IS A FLU VACCINE AS GOOD AS THIS VACCINE?
The flu vaccine is not effective against COVID. In case a person has taken a flu vaccine quite recently, they should wait for at least a week before this one.
Anyone who is currently under treatment for the virus, should wait till the symptoms subside and the tests are negative, before opting for the virus.
WHAT ABOUT VULNERABLE CATEGORIES?
Vulnerable groups, like dialysis patients, heart patients and pregnant women will require a prescription of their specialist physicians, prior to getting vaccinated.
WILL A VACCINATED PERSON NEVER GET COVID-19?
The vaccine definitely reduces a person’s chances of catching the virus, but does not guarantee it. It is possible that one can still get a mild or asymptomatic version of the same, even after getting vaccinated. Hence, it is prescribed that people continue to follow social distancing standards, wearing masks and keep hygienic surroundings.