Complete information about Covid-19 Vaccine and its types

With about 2 years of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is evident that it will be difficult to deal with the Covid-19 situation in the years to come. Along with mask mandates, the talks of vaccine mandates have also started to allow gatherings in theatres, indoor dining, sports venues, etc.

Most people who become infected with Covid-19 may develop symptoms like cough, fever, shortness of breath, loss of taste and sore throat. If you have any such symptoms, even if they are mild, get tested and seek medical solutions.

Moreover, you must ensure that you always check your Covid policies at your location, at the local and state level, before you leave your home.

In short, it’s essential to groom your knowledge regarding Covid-19 and the types of its vaccines.

Best Practices to Prevent Covid-19 Spread

One can protect himself or his loved ones by following simple, yet effective practices mentioned down below.

1. Wash your hands with soap and water. Use alcohol-based sanitisers when you can’t.

2. Avoid touching your eyes, mouth, nose and regular surfaces like doorknobs, desks, bench-tops, etc.

3. Practice social distancing guidelines by maintaining a 1.5 metres distance from other individuals. Also, don’t practice physical greetings such as a handshake, hugging, etc. and avoid large public gatherings.

4. Download Covid safe applications which can help you find people who have been infected with Covid-19.

Covid-19 types at present

Vaccines are known to stimulate a response to Covid-19. Every type of Covid-19 vaccine is meant to introduce antigens. These antigens then trigger a certain response which in turn, builds an immune memory, allowing your body to fight Covid-19 in future. 

Check out the main types of Covid-19 vaccines at present. 

1. Viral vector vaccines: They work by giving cells genetic instructions to generate antigens. One virus which is used as a vector is adenovirus, which is the causing agent for the common cold. 

Viral vector vaccines can copy natural viral infections and therefore, must stimulate a strong immune response. 

1.  Inactivated vaccines: It incorporates the killed SARS-CoV-2 virus, which gets identified by the immune system to stimulate a response without initiating Covid-19 disease. It builds response memory, preparing your body to fight SARS-CoV-2 later on. 

2. Attenuated vaccines: It contains the weekend SARS-CoV-2 virus, which like Inactivated vaccines, also trigger a response without causing Covid-19. Then it builds a response memory so that your body can fight the SARS-CoV-2 in future. 

3. Protein subunit vaccines: These vaccines comprise purified pieces of a pathogen instead of a whole pathogen to stimulate a response. It minimises the risk of side effects. However, it also means that the immune response may be weaker.
Hence, these vaccines sometimes also require adjuvants to boost the immune response. These vaccines are beneficial for those with compromised immune systems. 

4. Nucleic acid vaccines: These vaccines use DNA or RNA to offer cells the instructions to produce an antigen. When it comes to Covid-19, the viral spike protein is used. As this genetic material is injected into our body, it utilizes our cells’ protein factories to produce the antigen to stimulate an immune response. 

One major benefit of these vaccines is that they are easy and affordable to manufacture. However, these vaccines need to be stored at ultra-cold temperatures, which could be challenging for those nations that don’t have cold-storage capacities. 

Are Covid-19 vaccines safe if someone has an underlying medical condition? 

Covid-19 vaccines are extremely safe for anyone suffering from a medical condition provided he/she is not having a severe or immediate allergic reaction to any ingredients present in the vaccine.

How many doses of Covid-19 vaccines are recommended? 

Almost all Covid-19 vaccines need more than just one dose. A second dose is meant to boost the immune system for ideal and longer protection. Moreover, it is advisable to get vaccinated recommended times.

If someone has recovered from Covid-19, does he/she still needs to get vaccinated? 

Irrespective of whether someone already had the infection or not, every individual should get vaccinated. Those who are presently infected with Covid-19 should delay their vaccination for 3 months post recovery. 

Misinformation is the biggest hurdle when it comes to combating Covid-19. Knowing the proper facts regarding Covid-19 is the key to securing the lives of you and your loved ones.

To know more about Covid-19 and find the best vaccine for you, book your appointment here.