Prevention

Why get vaccinated? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is spread through contact with an infected person, even if the person does not have symptoms. The COVID-19 vaccine may help prevent COVID-19 disease after 2 doses. You may get protective immune response 4 weeks after the second dose. The duration of protection against COVID-19 disease is not known.

What is Covaxin vaccine? Covaxin has been given approval for restricted use in emergency situation. The Covaxin vaccine does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and will not give you COVID-19 disease.

Who should get vaccinated? Adults 18 years of age and older. Two doses of the Covaxin vaccine are needed to be fully vaccinated. You should get the second dose 4 weeks after the first dose.

Who should not get the Covaxin vaccine?

• You should not get the Covaxin vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or to any ingredient of the vaccine.

• You should not get the Covaxin vaccine is you currently have an acute infection or fever.

What should you tell your health care provider before getting the vaccine? Tell your Vaccinator/Officer supervising vaccination about all of your medical conditions, including:

• If you are on regular medication for any illness. If so, how long and for which condition

• Have any history of allergies

• Have fever

• Have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner

• Are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system

• Are pregnant

• Are breastfeeding

• Have received another COVID vaccine

What are the possible side effects of the Covaxin vaccine?

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; dizziness or weakness)

• body ache/malaise

• fever

• headache

• nausea or vomiting

• pain, redness, swelling, itching or irritation at site where injected

• rashes

What do I do if I have side effects after I get the vaccine? Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve within a few days. Paracetamol may be used to treat mild side effects. If any of your symptoms are bothersome or do not go away, seek advice from your health care provider/Vaccinator/ Officer supervising your vaccination or go to the nearest hospital. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call or go to the nearest hospital. If you experience a side effect after vaccination, you can report to Bharat Biotech at 1800 1022245 or pvg@bharatbiotech.com. This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone. Continue to follow all guidelines to prevent exposure including:

• Wearing a mask,

• Staying 6 feet away from other people in public places,

• Washing hands often

• Respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow)

Why get vaccinated? Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by SARS-CoV-2. It is spread through contact with an infected person, even if the person does not have symptoms. The COVID-19 vaccine has been shown to help prevent COVID-19 disease after 2 doses. You may get protective immune response 4 weeks after the second dose. The duration of protection against COVID-19 disease is not known.

What is Covishield vaccine? Covishield has been given approval for restricted use in emergency situation. The Covishield vaccine does not contain SARS-CoV-2 and will not give you COVID-19 disease.

Who should get vaccinated? Adults 18 years of age and older. Two doses of the Covishield vaccine are needed to be fully vaccinated. You should get the second dose 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose.

Who should not get the Covishield vaccine? You should not get the Covishield vaccine if you had a severe allergic reaction after a previous dose of this vaccine or to any ingredient of the vaccine.

What should you tell your health care provider before getting the vaccine? Tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including:

• If you have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) after any drug, food, any vaccine, or any ingredients of the Covishield vaccine

• If you have a fever

• If you have a bleeding disorder or are on a blood thinner

• If you are immunocompromised or are on a medicine that affects your immune system

• If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding

• If you have received another COVID-19 vaccine

What are the possible side effects of the Covishield vaccine?

• allergic reactions (skin rash, itching or hives; swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; dizziness or weakness)

• chills or fever

• dizziness, headache, tiredness

• joint pain or muscle ache

• abdominal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, and vomiting

• pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected

What do I do if I have side effects after I get the vaccine? Most side effects are mild to moderate and resolve within a few days. Paracetamol may be used to treat mild side effects. If any of your symptoms are bothersome or do not go away, seek advice from your health care provider. If you experience a severe allergic reaction, call or go to the nearest hospital. If you experience a side effect after vaccination, you can report to Serum Institute of India PVT Ltd at +91 - 1800 1200124 or pharmacovigilance@seruminstitute.com. This vaccine, like all vaccines, may not fully protect everyone. Continue to follow all guidelines to prevent exposure including: Wearing a mask, Staying 6 feet away from other people in public places, Washing hands often Respiratory etiquette (covering mouth and nose while coughing/sneezing with a tissue/handkerchief/flexed elbow)