If no vaccine allergy, go get the jab: Gangaram Hospital top doctor

Despite over 3-lakh fresh cases of Covid-19 being reported in the past two days, people have become increasingly hesitant to step out of their homes — even for vaccination!

Unprecedented rise in infections has made people wary and many have raised doubts about the efficacy of the vaccine.

“Only vaccine can save you at this point and it is the most ideal time to get the vaccine. I understand there is a genuine fear of being infected but I would still suggest everyone to wear a mask and step out to get vaccine doses. It is the most essential thing to do right now,” Lt Gen (Dr) Ved Chaturvedi of Gangaram Hospital, told Money9.

Apart from the constant fear of being infected, people have several other concerns related to the vaccines.

“My father is diabetic while mother is an asthma patient. I am  scared about any long-term side effects that may happen due to the vaccine in future. This is precisely why I am hesitant to get them vaccinated,” said Rupesh Izapure, a final year student from Bhopal.

No need to doubt vaccines

Squashing such concerns at once, Chaturvedi said vaccines were, in fact, of utmost important for people suffering from such diseases.

“It almost amazes me every time I hear this logic for not getting vaccinated. People suffering from diseases like diabetes, cancer, hypertension, etc. need vaccine urgently. One shouldn’t take the vaccine only and only if they’re allergic to vaccines – which is a rarity of less than 1%,” Chaturvedi explained.

But how does one know if they are allergic to vaccines?

“There is no way to know this in advance. How do you know if you’re allergic to milk or coffee or peanuts? It comes from prior experience. Hence, if you’ve ever got any vaccine and felt something wrong then make sure to inform the doctors beforehand and get clarity,” he said.

Fear and panic are almost like the middle children of Covid-19 or any pandemic for that matter. It causes you to sometimes take unnecessary precautions that may have harmful impacts.

AIIMS Director Randeep Gulleria recently pointed out how people were storing oxygen cylinders at home and taking it at regular intervals. This is when their oxygen levels are doing absolutely fine.

“If a person’s oxygen saturation is 93% to 99%, then that person does not need oxygen, and taking it will instead be harmful. Many patients have started keeping oxygen cylinders at home and taking it for 30 min or 2 hour or 3 hours, which is more harmful and again denying people who need it,” Gulleria was quoted as saying in several media reports.

Chaturvedi had a similar opinion and said that using oxygen cylinders in normal circumstances can be harmful and should be avoided.

Dispelling myths

“Only when your oxygen levels fall low consistently, should you look for artificial oxygen support and consult a doctor. In many cases, the level might dip to 93 and come back to 95 after some time. This is not an urgent call for artificial support for oxygen,” he asserted.

Even while checking your oxygen levels, there are several factors which determine the end result.

The oxygen levels will differ when you measure it through an oximeter put in the left and right hand of the same person. Even the oximeter battery could be faulty at times. In case of women, the nail paint or unhygienic long nails could also impact the reading.

“Only when you feel breathless and uneasy, consult your doctor. Don’t be entirely dependent on pulse oximeter readings,” Chaturvedi advised.