I had proven Covid-19 infection. Should I take the vaccine? If yes, when?

It usually takes about 14 days to recover from a Covid-19 infection. By then, the fatigue, breathing difficulties and other symptoms disappear. No one knows how long the resultant immunity (specific to the strain that infected) will last. The vaccine gives longer immunity and some protection against mutant strains.

Interchangeable? 

Can I take Covishield the second time after getting Covaxin first?

There is no clear answer to this as studies are ongoing. The second injection boosts the body’s T lymphocyte response to the first jab. It is advisable to stick to the same vaccine.

Vaccine in pregnacy 

My wife is pregnant. Can she take the vaccine?

The Indian government has not recommended it for pregnant women. It’s best to keep her isolated and ensure that anyone who goes near her is immunised. Those planning a pregnancy should take the doses before proceeding.

Dose interval 

It has been 50 days since I got my first dose. The vaccine is in short supply.

The first dose offers around 70 per cent protection against infection. The second boosts this to 75 per cent. So take the second dose even if the interval is longer than six weeks.

Heart attacks  

My neighbour suffered a heart attack after the vaccine. I’m scared to take it.

In the first phase, the vaccine was prioritised for people over 65 years — people more prone to heart attacks. It is not the vaccine that caused the heart attack.

Asthmatic hurdle 

I am a smoker. I am asthmatic too, on inhalers. Should I take the vaccine?

Covid-19 causes difficulty in breathing. So an infection will be disastrous. You definitely need to take the vaccine. And also motivate yourself to stop smoking, it does you no good.

Children affected 

I read that more children are getting serious coronavirus infections. Can I immunise my children?

The US and Canada are immunising children over 12. India is yet to do so. Your children will have to adhere to masks and social distancing.

Diet dilemma 

How soon after getting the vaccine can I eat non-vegetarian food?

Non-vegetarian food has nothing to do with the vaccine response.

Medications 

I am on medication for diabetes, hypertension and heart disease. How many days before vaccination do I stop them?

You need to take all your medicines before, during and after immunisation.

How much rest 

How many days rest do I need after vaccination?

Lead a normal life before and after vaccination. Listen to your body. If you feel tired, rest. Do not do a hard workout on the day of immunisation or for two days after that.

Scared of the jab 

I am afraid to take the vaccine.

The vaccine will protect you against severe Covid-19. Even babies develop fever and pain when they receive their immunisations and boosters. That does not mean that we stop immunising. The writer is a paediatrician with a family practice at Vellore and the author of Staying Healthy in Modern India.

If you have any questions on health issues please write to yourhealthgm@yahoo.co.in