Take A Shot At The Shot
Disclaimer – the views expressed are those of the author and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Wonder Women World. This article is not meant to be taken as medical advice – to each, her own. Ultimately, it is a personal choice and up to your discretion.
Saturdays with Shivani
I am getting my second jab tomorrow and I can’t wait for it. It isn’t like I would be magically set free and I can visit my family and friends or pack my bags for the vacation that was denied to me by the pandemic. I am too realistic for that sort of a fantasy. I am excited because I am witnessing science making history. Some people might remember my vaxxie on social media where I claimed I felt like the Spiderman because I can almost imagine my body’s machinery hard at work manufacturing the antibodies that will slay the fire breathing dragon who’s been on a rampage for more than year now.
I write this today because for the past few weeks I have been fielding a lot of queries with regards to the vaccine so I thought I might as well put it down here.
To be, or not to be. That is no longer the question. Please take that shot whichever is available first. They work equally well so please do not waste time mulling over Covaxin vs Covishield (the ones on offer in India). Preferring one over the other might delay the dose and I don’t think we can afford that luxury. The two doses of Covishield need to be spaced over 6-8 weeks and that’s based on scientific data. The prolonged time is disconcerting for some and apparently that’s why they are leaning towards Covaxin. In my humble (and honest) opinion, that shouldn’t be the deciding factor.
Rome wasn’t built in a day and neither would the antibodies. Our bodies take atleast 2-3 weeks to manufacture them after the shot. News of people testing positive 2 (or even 10 days) after the vaccine haven’t had enough chance at protection. The virus was probably already there in those cases so don’t give the vaccine a bad rep and let that not deter you.
The mask cannot slip. It’s a vaccine not Captain America’s titanium shield that will ward off the virus. You may be protected but more importantly you could still be transmitting it to those around you and if they are not vaccinated then I don’t need to spell it out for you. The mask stays firmly in place and so do the social distancing measures.
Getting the infection is a possibility BUT the infection would run a milder course and the outcome would be better. Let me put it this way, without the vaccine chances of getting the infection are higher (much higher) and the outcome could be bad. With the vaccine chances of contracting the infection are lower and the outcome is definitely way better. Take your pick
Our healthcare system has decompensated. If a pandemic couldn’t push the authorities to strengthen our healthcare infrastructure, I don’t think anything could. The healthcare workers are human; they have limits and limitations. They are trying their best to help us, but their efforts come to a nought if we don’t help them. That trip to the mall may just mean extra duty hours for the nurses. We have tested them enough and it looks bleak from where I see it. Believe me we are on our own from hereon.
I hope I have managed to convince you to take a shot at the shot. In case, I haven’t I urge you to speak to your doctor for advice (WhatsApp isn’t a replacement for a qualified doctor). Remember that vaccination is as much for you as it is for the community
As I finish writing this, the numbers just keep going north and considering that Kumbh and election rallies are highest on our country’s priority list, I sincerely pray that the age limit for vaccination is lowered (If they are eligible to vote, they qualify for the vaccine too). Please remember there is no plan B, no one is swooping in to save us and the vaccine is our only hope for redemption.