Demystifying the Pre & Post effect of the COVID-19 vaccine 
Most people around us have now been safely vaccinated against COVID-19, bringing us all one step closer to getting back to doing more of the things we enjoy. But even now, many of us have questions about the vaccination process and still are juggling between two minds, and also what to expect when it comes to our turn.
Some Important FAQs answered by UNICEF experts:
- How do COVID-19 vaccines work?
Vaccines work by mimicking an infectious agent – viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms that can cause disease. This ‘teaches’ our immune system to rapidly and effectively respond against it. Traditionally, vaccines have done this by introducing a weakened form of an infectious agent that allows our immune system to build a memory of it. This way, our immune system can quickly recognize and fight it before it makes us ill. That’s how some of the COVID-19 vaccines have been designed. Other COVID-19 vaccines have been developed using new approaches, which are called messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines. Instead of introducing antigens (a substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies), mRNA vaccines give our body the genetic code it needs to allow our immune system to produce the antigen itself. mRNA vaccine technology has been studied for several decades. They contain no live virus and do not interfere with human DNA.
- Are COVID-19 vaccines safe?
Yes, even though COVID-19 vaccines are being developed as rapidly as possible, they have gone through rigorous testing in clinical trials to prove that they meet internationally agreed benchmarks for safety and effectiveness. Only if they meet these standards can a vaccine receive validation from WHO and national regulatory agencies.
- Before you go - Do your research.
There’s a lot of misinformation about vaccines online, so it’s important to always get your information from trustworthy sources like UNICEF, WHO & Ministry of Health. If you have any questions about whether you should receive a COVID-19 vaccine, speak to your doctor. At present, people with the following health conditions should not receive a COVID-19 vaccine to avoid any possible adverse effects:
•If you had a history of severe allergic reactions to any ingredients of a COVID-19 vaccine.
•If you are currently sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19
- Which COVID-19 vaccine is best for me?
All WHO-approved vaccines have been shown to be highly effective at protecting you against severe illness from COVID-19. The best vaccine to get is the one most readily available to you!
- Will the COVID-19 vaccines work against the new variants?
WHO says that the vaccines approved to date are expected to provide at least some protection against new variants. Experts around the world are continuously studying how the new variants affect the behavior of the virus, including any potential impact on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines. Should any of the vaccines be shown to be less effective against one or more of these variants, it will be possible to change the composition of the vaccines to protect against them. In the future, changes to vaccinations such as the use of booster shots and other updates may be necessary. But in the meantime, the important thing to do is to get vaccinated and continue measures to reduce the spread of the virus – which helps to reduce the chances for the virus to mutate – including physical distancing, mask-wearing, good ventilation, regular handwashing, and seeking care early if you have symptoms.
- Should I get a vaccine if I’ve already had COVID-19?
Yes, you should get vaccinated even if you’ve previously had COVID-19. While people who recover from COVID-19 may develop some natural immunity to the virus, we do not yet know how long it lasts or how well they are protected. Vaccines offer more reliable protection.
- Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m breastfeeding?
Researchers are currently studying COVID-19 vaccination in breastfeeding women, but there is still limited information at this time. WHO advises that vaccinations are offered if a lactating woman is part of a priority group for vaccinations, for example, if you are a health worker. Breastfeeding can continue after vaccination and remains one of the best ways to protect your child from diseases and to help them stay healthy.
- Should I get the COVID-19 vaccine if I’m pregnant?
Although the overall risk of severe illness from COVID-19 remains low, pregnancy puts you at a higher risk of severe illness compared to people who are not pregnant. Research is still ongoing to understand the safety and effects of COVID-19 vaccination in pregnant women, but there is no known reason that would outweigh the benefits of vaccination for pregnant women. For this reason, pregnant women at higher risk of exposure to COVID-19 (e.g. health workers) or who have health issues that add to their risk of severe disease may be vaccinated in consultation with their healthcare provider.
- Can COVID-19 vaccines affect fertility?
No, you may have seen false claims on social media, but there is no evidence that any vaccine, including COVID-19 vaccines, can affect fertility in women or men. If you are currently trying to become pregnant, you do not need to avoid pregnancy after receiving a COVID-19 vaccine.
- Should my child get a COVID-19 vaccine?
Children’s immune systems are different from those of adults and can vary significantly depending on their age. At present, WHO-approved COVID-19 vaccines are not recommended for anyone under the age of 16-18 years (depending on the individual vaccine), even if they belong to a high-risk group. Children were not included in the initial trials for COVID-19 vaccines, so there is currently limited or no data on the safety or efficacy of vaccines for children below the age of 16. More research is needed and we will update the recommendations as trials are conducted and more information becomes available.
- Can COVID-19 vaccines affect your DNA?
No, none of the COVID-19 vaccines affect or interact with your DNA in any way. Messenger RNA, or mRNA, vaccines teach the cells how to make a protein that triggers an immune response inside the body. This response produces antibodies that keep you protected against the virus. mRNA is different from DNA and only stays inside the cell for about 72 hours before degrading. However, it never enters the nucleus of the cell, where DNA is kept.
- How can I protect my family until we all receive a COVID-19 vaccine?
Safe and effective vaccines are game changers, but it is still not clear the degree to which they can protect us against infection and transmission. For the time being, even once vaccinated we need to continue taking precautions to protect ourselves and others. This includes wearing masks, physical distancing, and regular handwashing.
- Post-vaccination, what protocols do I follow?
Given the recent initiation of the vaccination drive for 18+ as a blessing in disguise, reports have suggested that many vaccinated people are still contracting the virus. While a large population in the country is yet to be vaccinated, it is important that we continue taking all precautions, even post-vaccination.
While the COVID vaccine may provide you with a protective layer against the virus, you may still contract the virus, which is why health experts and authorities have asked the masses to continue following certain precautions that may keep everyone safe. That said, here are some things you must do and follow even after getting the vaccine.
- The majority of the Indian population is yet to be fully vaccinated, which is why it is important to follow all precautionary measures, including wearing masks. Post-vaccination, a person may develop a certain amount of immunity against the virus, but it does not mean that he or she cannot be a carrier of the virus. Therefore, in order to protect other unvaccinated people, it is important that you continue wearing your masks.
- Continue maintaining 6 feet of distance in crowded areas. This might ensure the safety of the people around you as there exists no way you can find out whether a person is or is not vaccinated.
- While you may be vaccinated, people you visit or meet may still be susceptible to the virus. Therefore, do not touch people who are at an increased risk of contracting severe illness from COVID-19.
Compiled by Dr. Poonam Lalla – AGM –Scientific Marketing –Transasia Biomedicals Ltd
Resource – UNICEF & WHO website