Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited is all set to launch the Corona Vaccination Programme very soon:

The 2 questions that everyone asked throughout the lockdown was – “When will the Corona vaccination be ready? When will we be protected from this hitherto unknown virus? The answer will bring a smile on people’s faces, because the vaccine to combat the dreaded Covid-19 is ready to be released in a few days from now.

Ever since the lockdown was announced, the Apollo group of hospitals and clinics, which has been the most trusted name in healthcare for more than 37 years, took swift action to deal with it, while strictly following ICMR guidelines and procedures.

Team Apollo set up COVID Care centers within societies, organizations and neighborhoods so that people would have easy access to immediate medicare. Home Care Quarantine packages were designed so that people who were either asymptomatic or had minor symptoms, could recover comfortably from home.  Throughout the challenging period Apollo Diagnostic labs provided non-stop services, which included home testing and delivery of lab reports.

Even Dialysis patients were encouraged to continue their procedures twice a week, thanks to COVID-free Apollo Dialysis clinics maintaining a near-zero infection transfer rate.

THE VACCINE IS READY TO MOVE:

The Apollo Hospitals Group, which has always been at the forefront in pioneering initiatives, adoption of new technologies for delivery of care, testing and prevention, is now going to be the largest Private Organization to bring out the vaccine.

Having collaborated intensively with some of the most prestigious Indian and foreign Pharma companies who are developing vaccines, the Apollo group is confident that they can administer the vaccine to the maximum number of people.

WHY APOLLO?

The Apollo group has a sturdy, Pan-India presence. It has an incredible:

• 19 medicine supply hubs with cold chain facilities
• 70 hospitals
• 400+ clinics
• 500 corporate health centers
• 4,000 pharmacies

This is the reason that the Apollo group is actually in one of the best positions to ensure massive administration capacity of COVID-19 vaccines.

WHEN / HOW SOON?

The Corona Vaccine from AHLL will start rolling out very soon, and the first dose can now be taken as a precaution and preventive for the virus.

Disclaimer: The exact date will be announced as per the Government of India directions.

WHY IS A VACCINE NECESSARY?

Vaccines save lives. They build the person’s natural immune system in a way that it can combat specific illness, and be protected.

Over the last few decades, it is only thanks to vaccines for illnesses like smallpox or polio, that children as well as adults have enjoyed safer and longer lives. Even the mortality rate in a developing country like India, with a one billion plus population, has improved greatly.

AREN’T VACCINES ONLY FOR CHILDREN?

Though certain vaccines are compulsorily given soon after a child is born, there are a large number of them for adults too.  Vaccines are illness specific, and administered according to the prescribed dosage and age.

For example, there is a variety of vaccines given to people travelling to foreign countries where certain fevers and diseases are rampant. A good example is the flu shot that many people take.

WHAT DO VACCINES DO?

Vaccines help build antibodies in our system, thus strengthening our immunity. Once vaccinated, even if a person comes in contact with a positive case, they stay protected.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of the pharmaceutical companies and research labs, in India and abroad, a collective conclusion is that a vaccine will be the fastest and most impactful way to combat this particular virus in the present situation.

HOW WILL THIS VACCINE WORK?

A person will receive the vaccine in 2 doses. Once the pharmaceutical company guidelines share the details, the gap between the 2 doses will be declared.

WHERE WILL IT BE AVAILABLE?

There are multiple pharmaceutical companies who have been working vigorously to develop these vaccines, and different countries will be having their own versions of the same.

The vaccine, developed through the Apollo collaboration, will be available at all Apollo Hospitals and Healthcare facilities across India.

It will be administered by highly trained medical staff only, and will NOT be an Over-the-Counter medicine.

EFFICACY:

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.

HOW IT WORKS:

Experts say that a vaccinated person will develop antibodies that will keep him/her safe from Corona for up to 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 very valuable in situations where there are high-risk family members – like the elderly, the unwell or pregnant women.

STORAGE & SHELF LIFE:

The vaccine needs to be stored in a refrigerated facility, between temperatures 2-5 degree Celsius or as per the guidelines set by the manufacturing company, which must be maintained at all times. It remains potent for one month.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

The price will be fixed by the Government of India once it is launched. Apollo will make sure that it is affordable for all.

WHO CAN TAKE IT?

All people of all age groups. The vaccine can be safely administered to everyone. However, one needs to consult one’s doctor for high risk patients.

People who might be severely allergic to specific ingredients of the vaccine composite, will have to get a go ahead from their doctors, to avoid a reaction.

ARE CHILDREN SUPPOSED TO TAKE IT TOO? IS IT SAFE FOR THEM? 

Yes, children can be safely inoculated against the virus. The dose and the timing will have to be decided by the child’s pediatrician.

IS IT SAFE FOR ALL?

Currently, the vaccines have been tested on people who have volunteered for the same. Since this group excludes the elderly with health issues, children or pregnant women, the research is not yet 100% conclusive.  This indicates that as of now, the given vaccine may be more suitable for some, and less for others.

Data points out that since each individual constitution is unique, the efficacy and side effects may vary mildly. However, so far the outcomes are very optimistic and that is the reason that the Government of India has green signaled the same.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

Side effects may include: Slight soreness or pain where vaccinated, mild fever, fatigue, headaches or mild flu-like symptoms.

These symptoms may last less than a week in most cases. 

IS A VACCINE NECESSARY IF A PERSON HAS ALREADY TAKEN A FLU-VACCINE? 

The flu vaccine will not protect someone from getting COVID. In case a person has taken a flu vaccine a few days ago, they should wait for at least a week before this one. 

SHOULD A PERSON GET VACCINATED IF THEY ARE UNWELL? 

If a person is unwell and has any kind of fever, headaches, cough or cold they should self-isolate. In case they are already in home quarantine, waiting for test results, they should only get a vaccine after they test negative.

CAN A VACCINATED PERSON GIVE THE VIRUS TO ANYONE?

The vaccine reduces a person’s chances of catching the virus. However, there is no recorded information about whether a person can get a mild or asymptomatic version of the same, after getting vaccinated.

Therefore, it is imperative that people continue to follow the norms of social distancing, wearing masks and frequent handwashing.

It is still a long way to go, before things become relatively normal. 

SHOULD CERTAIN PEOPLE AVOID TAKING A VACCINE?

Ideally, vaccines are safe for all and can be given to people in the specified age group. As mentioned, anyone who might have severe allergies to certain components of the vaccine, should check with their doctors first.

Similarly, pregnant women will need to consult their gynaecologists and internal medicine specialists before getting vaccinated.

HAS IT BEEN TRIAL-TESTED? WHAT ARE THE RESULTS?

Yes, all the vaccines being developed are being trial-tested on a mixed group of people.

However, since the numbers are still limited and each individual responds differently, conclusive results will only be shared just before the vaccines are ready to be rolled out.

Like with all vaccines, this one too should be taken under the advice of your family physician keeping in mind your health.

A vaccine is not a magic potion to end the virus. Though this is one of the best ways to protect yourself from it, please DON’T LOWER YOUR GUARD. Continue to wear masks, keep social distancing and sanitize your hands often.