Most of the COVID vaccines are intramuscular shots, to be administered in two doses, at 21-28 days interval. FDA has voted in favour of the Pfizer vaccine for COVID stating that benefit outweighs risk in population 16 years of age and above. Pfizer is adding a warning in the labelling indicating that Appropriate medical treatment and supervision should be readily available in case of anaphylaxis. This happened due to a few severe allergic reactions reported in UK and USA. The Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was temporarily stalled when a case of neurological issue was reported in a woman which was reported to be possibly related to her pre-existing medical condition and not the vaccine.

Vaccines mostly have low to mild effects, mostly commonly fatigue, muscle aches, mild fever, etc which is more about body’s response to the shot than the disease

Those who have COVID infection should wait for complete recovery before getting the vaccine but there is no contraindication so far for patients who have had a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection.
As we see a lot of contradiction regarding the concept of immunisation, doubt often creeps in our mind. Do we really need vaccines? Do they harm more than benefit us? Should I wait for my neighbour to try it out?
We need to remember that vaccines are the best way to prevent infectious diseases.
Remember small pox, remember polio, remember tetanus! Then, ask yourself, are vaccines good or bad for you.

Truly, nothing is risk-free in this world. The speed at which COVID has set the vaccine race, many find it concerning. However, technology of vaccine development is way more advanced compared to what we knew even a decade ago. Also, in today’s world, everything happens under the watchful eyes of the public, the government, regulatory authorities and the media. So, let’s set our worries aside and wait for our turn to get that preventive shot against the pandemic.