Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine
Information about Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine
Whole virion, inactivated corona virus vaccine uses
Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine is used to prevent Coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
How whole virion, inactivated corona virus vaccine works
Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine contains an inactivated form of the virus itself (made up of killed coronaviruses, making it safe to be injected into the body). When administered, the dead virus acts as an antigen and provokes an immune response that can block or kill the virus, without actually causing the disease. Thus, Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine is incapable of infecting people but still able to instruct the immune system to promote a defensive reaction if a person becomes infected just like the natural body immune mechanism in case of other infections (such as common cold or flu).
Common side effects of whole virion, inactivated corona virus vaccine
Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Headache, Fever, Feeling of discomfort, Nausea, Vomiting, Rash
Available Medicine for Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine
Expert advice for Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine
- Two doses of Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine are given 4 to 6 weeks apart. Ensure that you complete the dosing schedule.
- Do not get vaccinated on an empty stomach. Have a proper meal before visiting the vaccination site.
- You may be observed at the vaccination center itself to guard against any immediate allergic reaction or side effects.
- Do not interchange the vaccines. The second dose should also be of the same COVID-19 vaccine which was administered as the first dose.
- A minimum interval of 14 days should be maintained between the administration of any other vaccine. However, if the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential unknown risks of vaccine coadministration, COVID-19 and other vaccines may be administered within a shorter period (e.g., tetanus vaccine, rabies vaccine, etc.)
- Defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms resolution if you have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection.
- Do get vaccinated even if you have recovered from COVID-19 infection in the past, as this will help in developing a stronger immune response.
- Continue to follow other preventive measures such as social distancing, mask donning, and hand-washing even after getting vaccinated.
Frequently asked questions for Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine
Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine
Q. Can Whole Virion, Inactivated Corona Virus vaccine be given to children?
COVID-19 vaccine trials for children are still underway. So, enough evidence is not available to recommend its use in children yet. This is because the morbidity and mortality rate is higher in the older population, particularly those older than 50 years of age. Both the available vaccines have not been studied for safety and effectiveness in the children/pediatric population so far. Therefore, it is advised not to give any COVID-19 vaccine to children till we have enough data available.
Q. I am a COVID-19 frontline worker and I got vaccinated already. When will my family members get vaccinated?
As per government of India guidelines, all the COVID-19 frontline workers will get vaccinated on priority. However, the other family members of these people will be vaccinated according to the age-specific prioritization by the Government of India.
Q. I already got infected with COVID-19 once. Do I still need to get vaccinated?
Yes. People who have already been infected with COVID-19 should still get vaccinated unless told otherwise by their healthcare provider. Even if you’ve had a previous infection, the vaccine acts as a booster that strengthens the immune response. There have also been some cases of people getting re-infected with COVID-19, which makes getting vaccinated even more important.