Vaccine is best available protection, don’t believe myths, say doctors

NAGPUR: Two vaccines available in India are at present the best protection against Covid-19, and one should not believe any social media rumours and myths about the vaccines, said expert doctors in Nagpur.
With vaccination for all above 18 years gaining pace now, new series of fake news about vaccine efficacy and Covid-19 are buzzing in social media.

“Vaccination is the only way forward to tackle the pandemic effectively.Don’t hesitate. Get your shots when your turn comes,” appealed infectious disease specialist Dr Ashwini Tayade.
“Rather I would say this should be a priority for everyone. Paid or free vaccine, whichever is available, will definitely be cheaper than succumbing to disease,” she added.
Some rarest of the rare incidents in which fully vaccinated citizens died during Covid-19 treatment are being highlighted in social media these days, with an intention to discourage youths from vaccination.
Moreover, some platforms are flooded with information about new mutants and strains of Covid-19 and claims that vaccines don’t have any impact on these strains.
“As per recent reports, no variant can escape vaccine immunity,” confirmed Dr Nitin Shinde, infectious disease specialist.
“The L452R mutation is shared by both B.1.429 and B.1.617 (India) variants. These are about 20% more infectious, with higher viral loads. There are chances of some immune evasions, but cannot reduce vaccine efficacy,” he added.
It’s now well known and proven fact that people who got vaccinated can also get infected, but their infection turns serious in very rare cases. Even after two weeks of complete vaccination, there are chances of infection in some people.
“There’s nothing like 100% in any of the vaccines across the world. For that matter, Covid-19 vaccine has been developed on a war footing and further research will bring better vaccines for us in future. But, till then, we have no better option than getting a jab as quickly as possible,” said epidemiologist Dr Anand Thatte.
Some youths are concerned about the fact that vaccines are not available. “Soon, we will have more options of vaccines and by the end of May, the present crisis of vaccines will be almost over,” said a senior member of Covid Task Force of the state government.
MYTH BUSTERS
Vaccines cause autism: This myth originated from a 1997 study, whose author has since lost his medical license
Healthy youths don’t need it: Unvaccinated youths, without protection from the virus, can easily get infected and spread it to senior citizens
There are long term side-effects: Covid-19 vaccines in India are based on proven platforms with no long term side effects
Vaccinated people also get Covid-19: This is known, called as breakthrough infections, and officially 0.0000097% people have it, which is negligible
We will soon have herd immunity: India, with its huge population, cannot think about herd immunity for next many years