Everything you need to know about the Covid-19 vaccination program

Is it effective? Does it involve any substantial amount of risk?

The AstraZeneca (AZD1222) vaccine, locally known as Covishield has an efficacy of 63.09% against symptomatic Covid-19 infection. Longer dose intervals within the 8 to 12 weeks range are associated with greater vaccine efficacy.

The ones received by Bangladesh have been manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, which is one of the topmost vaccine manufacturers in the world. The Covishield vaccine produced in the Serum Institute of India has been sent to many other countries around the world and has been adopted globally so far.

Does the vaccine protect against new variants?

The South Africa study, based on about 2,000 young people who had the vaccine, suggests the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine offers limited protection against mild and moderate disease caused by the South Africa variant. There is no evidence to suggest it would not be effective at preventing more severe cases that need hospital treatment.

What are the common adverse events post-vaccination?

A person can experience injection site tenderness and pain, headache, muscle pain and nausea after being immunised, but the chances are odd, and the effects are minor. Once you're inoculated, you'll be taken into an observation room at the site, where your general parameters are monitored for 30 minutes, for any possible Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) before you can leave the site of vaccination. All vaccinators and supervisors at the site are trained to provide primary treatment of all AEFIs.

Who are being advised to not get vaccinated?

Pregnant and lactating mothers, those with allergic reactions to vaccines in general, those with active symptoms of Covid-19 or Covid-19 patients currently undergoing plasma or antibody therapy, acutely unwell and hospitalised patients due to any illness. You should consult your physician before taking the vaccine considering any medical history that you might have.

Should a person, who has recovered from Covid-19, get vaccinated?

Yes, it is recommended that a survivor receive the complete schedule of Covid vaccination, irrespective of a history of information.

Can someone get and transmit Covid-19 after taking the vaccine?

Even if someone gets infected after taking the vaccine, the virus will not replicate or become severe. However, they may still transmit it, so it's important to maintain the precautions as before. Wearing masks and sanitising are absolutely mandatory even after taking the vaccine.