The issue, of course, is ticklish as well as delicate one under the present eco-system. After taking the Covid vaccine shot in the second week of March,2021,incidentally, I watched a TV programme on TATA SKY SENIORS. Topic for discussion was "Vaccination - Boon or Curse". An interesting discussion, indeed. Contents of the discussion created a lot of curiosity and anxiety. It motivated me to further go through extensively the entire gamut of Protective or Preventive measure of inoculation. Hence, a short representation on the subject.
2. Before, we proceed further, it would be appropriate and pertinent to understand the terms Protective and Prevention. Accordingly, as per Merriam-Webster medical definition of "protective" is
" an agent (as a medicine or a dressing) that protects the body or one of its parts (as from irritation or injury)""vitamins are protective against certain deficiency diseases"
Similarly, the term "preventive" is defined as under:
" a branch of medical science dealing with methods of preventing the occurrence of disease".
3. It can be said with fair degree of certainty that the preventive actions are primarily interventions directed to avert the emergence of specific diseases, reduce their incidence and prevalence in population. From the scientific study of spread and control of diseases (epidemiology), prevention aims to control the transmission and spread of infectious diseases and reduce its risk of degeneration. Whereas protection signifies administration of medicines etc. for recovery, to decrease severity and reduce fatality rate of infected persons.
4.India launched its vaccination drive on 16th January, 2021. Initially, it was limited to healthcare workers and frontline staff only. Subsequently, with effect from 1st March, the people over 60 and those who are between 45 and 59 years of age with co-morbidities were included in the list to be vaccinated on priority. From 1st April onward, anyone aged 45+ years made eligible to take the shots.
5. As per Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India, Cumulative Coverage Report of COVID-19 Vaccination( As on 6th April,2021 at 7.00 AM ) a total of 8.31.10926 people have been given jab. Out of this, 7.22.77309 are covered under First Dose and1.08.33617 were given Second Dose (Booster ). The vaccination programme is proceeding well though the pace needs to be further increased by scaling up vaccination session sites coupled with new strategies to create awareness among recipients.
6. Sincere and serious efforts, on war-footing, are in place by both the Central Government/ State Governments to accelerate and ramp up vaccination. Further, vaccination of people residing in remotest and inaccessible areas of country is also being ensured. However, due to lack of awareness or otherwise , public at times, inadvertently taken inoculation as a complete preventive measure against the virus. It is believed that on taking the booster (second dose) , they have absolutely become immune to the disease. Due to the complacency, the people let their guards down. An unfortunate state of affairs, indeed.
7.There are a number of instances reported in media/social media when a vaccinated person too has been affected with Covid-19. It needs to be clearly understood that virus is still there and may infect any one irrespective of the fact whether one is vaccinated or otherwise. Hence, there is absolutely no guarantee that on vaccination, one will not be affected by the virus. Of course, it is true that taking jab, severity of the disease will come down, considerably. The fatality rate would be under check. The crux of the issue is that on inoculation, level of immunity against the virus would certainly improve as it guides/trains the body’s immune system to fight off a disease it has not encountered before. On attack of virus, the anti-bodies formed would fight the foreign elements and would be effective against disease. Hence, it would act as a effective and potent protective tool against spread and transmission of virus.
8. While the vaccine is considered an important part of COVID-19 protection, it is equally important to continue and reinforce practice of COVID Appropriate Behaviors (CAB). Hence, hand
hygiene (thorough washing of hands by soap & water or use an alcohol-based sanitizer), wearing a mask/face cover and physical distancing of 2 गज (6 feet) for personal safety and prevention of community transmission is must . All those who get symptoms of COVID-19 should seek medical advice immediately and get promptly isolated at home. Importance to watch for any COVID-19 symptom and be prompt to isolation ourselves cannot be over-emphasized. In such a unfortunate scenario, we must get tested. The Cardinal Principle of Mantra "3Ts" (Test, trace, and treat) is not be ignored at any cost. Although protocols never asked people to venture without masks, residents had not only let their guard down but the authorities , too, appeared to be slack in enforcing the rules. That may be one of the reasons that surge in Covid19 case ,on pan India, is recently observed.
8. CAB need to be followed repeat to be followed meticulously and diligently during and after the vaccination session as well. till the entire issue is adequately addressed. i.e. until herd immunity is ensured. Therefore, the most appropriate/suitable way to prevent COVID-19 infection is to avoid exposure to the virus as (i) how long the immunity on taking jab would last is not yet clear. and (ii) it may take some time to achieve the target of herd immunity i.e. when a large part of the population becomes immune to a virus, through vaccination.
Thanks. Very appropriately explained in plain simple language. Thanks
ReplyDeleteWell captured. However the core issue of whether the vaccine prevents or protects got lost. A categorical statement that the vaccine is protective and NOT preventive would have driven home the point better.
ReplyDeleteQuite a relevant and well researched article. The difference between being preventive adn protective so subtle and yet so important to be understood , particularly, in the context of COVID. A conclusion about whether it is preventive or protective will help it to make the article more clear.
DeleteRelevant topic at appropriate time
ReplyDeleteVery useful information on the topic at appropriate time. We will gain knowledge and will have advantage of what has been narrated.
ReplyDeleteTiming and contents of the topic are really appreciated. All of us not only need to take vaccine but also to encourage all our nears and dears in this regard and I an sure with what you have brought out we can dispel doubts, if any.
ReplyDeleteVery comprehensively explained. The fact that the vaccine only enables one to fight the virus better, reduce its severity and in all probability avoid death, but does not give one a blanket immunity needs to be driven home emphatically.
ReplyDeleteThe blog is relevant and helps drive the importance of covid appropriate behavior, esp in the second half. Consider making that a separate section.
ReplyDeleteThe meat of the title, I.e.vaccine not being 'preventive' - hope I got that right - loses some focus.
Wonderfully lucid and appropriate
ReplyDeleteKeep it up
S K Singh
ReplyDeleteMost informative write up on such a global burning topic that too like GAGAR ME SAGAR.
Covid Vaccine, a less protective and more preventive one.
It is believed that on taking the booster doze, one become fully protected, is defintely an unfortunate affairs of state, is much relevant.
Always wearing masks, sanitizing hands regularly and maintaining a distance of 6 feet are equally important aspecr than inoculations.
Great presentation sir, congratulations, please keep it up.
Regards
Appraised in a perfect manner. The Global burning issue has been lucidity placed. And convincing.
ReplyDeleteVery correct. 3Ts and CAB are the only weapons to fight COVID-19.
ReplyDeleteSteps should be taken to increase the daily vaccination number at war footing and those not adhering to CAB should be dealt with strictly.
A very well written article on an extremely topical issue.
The note is very well compiled covering all aspects of the pedimic starting from spred , precautions & treatment. Very usefull if adhered to & followed.
ReplyDeleteCarona is getting very deadly now specially for children as there is no any vaccination for children so far.
A very rational presentation on the current issue of Corona pandemic !
ReplyDeleteCovid is back with a vengeance. While a vaccine with some level of efficacy is anyday preferable, some have caused serious side effects too! So many are still in a dilemma whether to take it or not .
ReplyDeleteVery pertinent topic in the present times. It's extremely essential to understand what this vaccine does ie being both protective and preventive but not entirely and one must keep following the rules till we have achieved the herd immunity.
ReplyDeleteAnd more importantly, we are yet not sure whether the present vaccine is effective against the variant responsible for the second wave, so people gear up mask up.
Well done.
Informative.
ReplyDeleteWould like to use this platform to invite you & others to a whatsapp group focused on COVID, if you permit.
Welcome
Delete