Ahmedabad : ‘Gujarat Vaccine Varta’, a program to aware and give knowledge about covid 19 vaccine to the people. Today everyone is fighting with corona pandemic and as now vaccine is the only remedy to come out from the effect of corona, but there are lots of questions in people’s mind about vaccine and its effects and all. To spread awareness and knowledge about covid-19 vaccine, UNICEF and YuWaah organised the ‘Gujarat Vaccine Varta with Young Digital Volunteers’ in collaboration with Centre for Communication of Child Rights, Pandit Deendayal Energy University , the Gujarat Youth Forum and Elixir Foundation. Experts from various fields joined in this informative session. These experts included Dr. Narayan Gaonkar, Health Specialist, UNICEF, Dr. Mona Desai, National Chairperson, Indian Medical Association- Women Doctor’s Wing, Dr. Nishchal Bhatt, Chairperson, Adolescent Health Academy, Ahmedabad; Child Specialist and Teenagers’ Health Consultant , Dr. Shwetal Bhatt, Associate Professor, Paediatrics, Baroda Medical College and Dr. Parul Vadgama, Head of Department, Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat. Experts shared their views on covid -19 vaccine and its effects and its importance. Almost all experts shared that vaccine is safe and everyone should go for it. During the programme, the medical experts answered questions and queries from young people and also helped bust myths and misconceptions associated with the Covid-vaccinationDr. Narayan Gaonkar assured people that the vaccine is absolutely safe and it does not decrease the immunity. He said, “ It is a myth that vaccine decreases immunity. Rather, it stimulates the immune system.” Vaccine reduces the chances of contracting COVID-19.However, people must follow all COVID-19 protocols even after taking the vaccine. People might get slight fever, soreness at the site of injection, body ache etc., but these can cured with a normal paracetamol.
On the other hand, Dr.Nishchal Bhatt said that both the vaccines are equally effective. The regulatory bodies have thoroughly tried and tested before introducing them for the public. The difference in percentage is just a figure. One must not take that into consideration and have a preference. The ideal time to take the vaccine after recovering from COVID-19 is after 14 days. However, if the person has taken the first dose and gets infected from COVID-19, he/she should wait for 4-8 weeks before taking the second dose. Dr.Shwetal Bhatt advised people that the best way to educate the rural masses is by creating awareness amongst local leaders and teachers in rural areas. Teachers can act as agents of change in rural areas as it is a common tradition that their words are scientific and measured. Talking about patients who have undergone angioplasty, Dr. Parul Vadgama said,“ Patients with diabetes , kidney ailments , hypertension etc can take the vaccine. It is absolutely safe for them.” This is a UNICEF – YuWaah advocacy and knowledge initiative and planned as a series of interactions between stakeholders and young people in Gujarat on a range of issues. The first in the series is focused on phase 3 of the Covid Vaccination Campaign where vaccination has opened up for 18+ population. A large number of people across all age groups attended the virtual event.
