According to the Indian vaccination schedule, the prescribed interval between the two doses of Covishield is 28 days. While Indians have started getting vaccinated and many have even signed up for their second dose, there is a question they have asked themselves: what is the significance of the 28-day gap between the two doses?
To answer this question, Dr. Farah Ingale, director of internal medicine at Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, says that before answering this question, it is necessary to understand how important vaccination is.
The COVID-19 vaccine is a safer way to help generate protection. If you get sick, you could spread the disease to friends, family, co-workers, and others around you. Vaccines, on the other hand, help develop immunity and are essential to break the chain of propagation, explains the doctor.
“The two vaccines available in India, Covaxin and Covishield, have gone through rigorous processes and clinical efficacy trials, after which they have been certified for public administration. They are safe and should be taken after seeking your doctor’s advice, ”she says.
What is the vaccination time period?
The doctor says that it takes 2 to 3 weeks for antibodies to develop after taking the first dose. “With the first dose, people develop antibodies slowly, but with the second dose, this process accelerates. Therefore, a minimum interval of 28 days is appropriate. Many countries maintain a gap of around three months to ensure that the maximum number of people in their country are vaccinated. In India, our approach has been different. Through our phased approach, which takes into account the size of our population, we hope that people receive their vaccinations in a timely manner, ”explains Dr. Ingale.
Is there anything a person needs to do between doses?
The doctor says that getting your first dose doesn’t mean you won’t get infected.
“You can still get COVID-19 even after your second dose, but it will be extremely mild and you may not need hospitalization.”
* Wear a mask when outside, avoiding crowded gatherings.
* Do not travel to places where there is no way to know if the people around you have been vaccinated.
* After vaccination, you may experience common side effects such as pain, mild fever, tiredness, body aches, etc., so drink plenty of fluids and apply a clean, cool, damp cloth to the area.
* Eat nutritious food to improve immunity.
* Make sure you sleep well.
* The most important thing is that you do not consider yourself immune to the dreaded virus.