KARACHI: The Covid Vaccination drive at Custom House is continuing and many Custom House Karachi staff members have been vaccinated against the disease.
Moreover, the vaccination of persons above 30 years of age are now also eligible for the vaccination and Assistant collector Preventive Karachi Shafiulah has made all the arrangements in this regard.
Individuals who are above 18 years of age should get the vaccine. Vaccination is recommended for persons with comorbidities that have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. Pregnant women and those who are breastfeeding must also get the vaccine.
It may be mentioned here that designated nurse/skilled immunization staff are administering the vaccine. The staff and vaccine has been provided by Sindh government.
FAQs
Q: Do Covid-19 vaccines reduce the ability to make antibodies or affect the immune system?
A: No, vaccines do not reduce the ability to make antibodies and do not suppress the immune system.
Q: Is the vaccine safe for patients with diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis?
A: Vaccines are recommended for people with diabetes, hypertension, heart diseases etc. These are high-risk groups that must get vaccinated.
Q: Should people getting dialysis, taking insulin, or those with pacemakers and transplants get vaccinated?
A: People on insulin, dialysis and transplant recipients must get vaccinated. Dialysis patients and transplant recipients have a weaker immune system and as more information becomes available, vaccination schedule may be modified for these groups. For now, follow the current guidelines.
Q: Should people with hepatitis, tuberculosis and HIV get vaccinated?
A: People with tuberculosis, HIV and chronic hepatitis must get vaccinated. Discuss your condition with your doctor in detail.
Q: I am a married man/woman and plan on starting a family soon. Will the Covid vaccine affect my fertility?
A: Coronavirus vaccine, like all other vaccines, have no effect on fertility. None of the vaccines developed and in use for preventing childhood and adult infections have any effect on male or female reproduction.
Vaccines induce immunity against bacteria and viruses and not against human cells and tissues. Scientifically, it is impossible to induce infertility through the administration of a vaccine.
Q: Is it safe for pregnant or lactating women to get the jab?
A: All vaccines are safe for lactating mothers. Almost all vaccines are safe in pregnancy. However, for some vaccines, recommendations on risk versus benefit will be updated as more information becomes available.
Q: Is there any category that should not be vaccinated?
A: Vaccination should be deferred in acutely ill, hospitalised patients and those with acute Covid-19 infections.
In addition, those with a history of severe allergic reactions to vaccine preservatives/stabilisers in the past. It is important to check vaccine guidelines.
Q: Why are children not being vaccinated?
A: There is currently not enough safety data available. Generally, children are the last group to be subjected to clinical trials.
However, some preliminary data is available which suggests that Covid-19 vaccines may be safe and effective in children. We need to wait for more information and recommendations regarding this.
Q: Why is Covid vaccine being given to people over the age of 60? Wouldn’t it be too strong for their immune system?
A: The age group most at risk for severe disease is 60 and above. Therefore, this is the priority group that must get vaccinated.
Q: I and my wife are getting vaccinated while my parents, both above 60 and with Type2 diabetes, are refusing to vaccinate. I have young children at home. What’s the way out?
A: Explain the risks of disease transmission and the increased chance of serious disease and death if Covid-19 infection is acquired by someone who is over 60. Convince parents and the elderly to get vaccinated.
Q: I got the Sputnik/Pfizer shots. Should I also go for the Chinese vaccines for added protection?
A: If a complete course of one vaccine has been administered, it is not recommended to go for another type of vaccine.
Q: Should a person over 50, who has recovered from Covid, get vaccinated?
A: It is recommended that people who have recovered from Covid- 19 should get vaccinated. Immunity after recovery from infection needs to be boosted with the vaccine.
Q: How long after recovering from the virus should one get vaccinated?
A: Soon after complete recovery from infection.
Q: How long does it take for antibodies to develop and how long does vaccine protection last? Do I need a booster dose in the future?
A: Antibodies may take three weeks to develop after the second dose. However, immunity is a complex phenomenon and there are other mechanisms in the body which provide protection.
Therefore, monitoring antibodies post-vaccination is not recommended. Immunity may decline in 6-7 months. Booster doses may be required but there are no formal recommendations available regarding this as yet.