2020 wraps up with good news

Apollo Health & Lifestyle Limited to launch the Corona Vaccination Programme very soon: 

The world has turned upside down in 2020, as it has been the most unexpected year of all. Everyone’s lives have been impacted in some way, and what we have learned this year will stay with us for a long time. 

While each person had to deal with the challenges that came their way, the most affected were those who had already been dealing with health issues. 

The Apollo group of hospitals and clinics, India’s most trusted name in healthcare for more than 37 years, left no stone unturned in order to combat multiple issues, while diligently following strict ICMR guidelines and protocols.

COVID Care centers within societies, organizations and neighborhoods were set by Team Apollo, to ensure that no one was inconvenienced in any way. For those were either asymptomatic or had minor symptoms, Home Care Quarantine packages were developed so that they could recover comfortably from home. 

While the Covid-free environment at all Apollo facilities was absolutely assured, the Apollo team was concerned that people would not address dental issues promptly, and delay their treatments eventually causing more complications. To make sure that this would not be the scenario, Apollo Dental went all out to educate people. This helped patients who visited the clinics, certain of being in a hygienic and infection-free environment. 

Special packages for them were also launched during the lockdown, so that they could avail of these at budget-friendly prices. 

But the question everyone was asking was - “When will the vaccine be available?” 

THE GOOD NEWS: 

Just as we prepare to welcome 2021, the much waited happy news is now ready to be unveiled. 

THE VACCINE IS READY TO MOVE:

Always at the forefront of pioneering initiatives, adoption of new technologies for delivery of care, testing and prevention, the Apollo Group is now also going to be the largest Private Organization to offer the vaccine. 

Having interacted intensively with various prestigious Indian and foreign Pharma companies who are developing vaccines, the team is now preparing to launch a massive drive to provide the vaccine to as many people as possible. 

WHEN / HOW SOON? 

The vaccine from AHLL group will be out very soon, and the first dose will be given as a precaution and preventive for the virus. In certain cases, it may also be given to patients already recovering from the virus. 

Disclaimer: The exact date will be announced as per the Government of India directions. 

WHY IS A VACCINE NECESSARY? 

A vaccine prepares the immune system to tackle a specific illness or virus. In all these years, thanks to vaccines for illnesses like smallpox or polio, children as well as adults have enjoyed longer, safer and healthier lives. The mortality rate has also improved greatly too. 

WHAT DO VACCINES DO? 

Vaccines are the life-savers of the medical world.

By building antibodies in our system, they strengthen our immunity. After being vaccinated, if a person comes in contact with a positive case, they stay safe. Which goes to say that, either they don’t get infected at all, or if they do, it is a very mild strain of the virus. 

Having seen the effect of vaccines on other diseases, several pharmaceutical companies and research labs, in India and abroad, have collectively come to the conclusion that the fastest and most effective way to defeat this current virus, is a vaccine. 

HOW WILL THIS VACCINE WORK? 

Different labs have been developing their own distinct version of the vaccine. 

The vaccine will be given in 2 doses. The timing of the 2nd dose will be declared by the respective pharmaceutical manufacturer guidelines.  

WHERE WILL IT BE AVAILABLE? 

The vaccine, shall be made available at all Apollo Hospitals and Healthcare facilities across India. 

Only highly trained medical staff will be administering these, and will NOT be an Over-The-Counter medicine. 

WHY APOLLO?

The Apollo group has a sturdy, Pan-India presence. It has an incredible:

19 medicine supply hubs with cold chain facilities

70 hospitals

400+ clinics

500 corporate health centres

4,000 pharmacies

This is the reason that the Apollo group is actually in one of the best positions to ensure massive administration capacity of COVID-19 vaccines.

Having collaborated intensively with various prestigious Indian and foreign Pharma companies who are developing vaccines, the Apollo Group is now in a position to ensure that the vaccine can be made available to the maximum number of people. 

EFFICACY: 

Each person’s natural immune system response is distinct. On the basis of age, health and individual constitution of a person, this vaccine will have mildly different impacts, and efficacy may range from 70 to 96% depending on multiple factors. 

HOW IT WORKS: 

 Based on the data collated, researchers say that a vaccinated person will develop antibodies that will keep him/her safe from Corona for upto a year. Through the year, just in case a person is infected, their chances of becoming seriously ill will be minimal. 

A vaccinated person will also protect the people around, by not posing a risk. This is very valuable in situations where there are high-risk family members - like the elderly, the unwell or pregnant women. 

STORAGE & SHELF LIFE: 

The vaccine needs to be stored in a refrigerated facility, between temperatures 2-5 degree Celsius, which must be maintained at all times. It remains potent for one month. 

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST? 

The price will be fixed by the Government of India once it is launched. 

The Apollo Group will ensure that it will be available for all, and no one is denied. 

WHO CAN TAKE IT? 

All people of all age groups, the vaccine can be safely administered to all. However, one needs to consult one's doctor for high risk patients. 

WHO WILL BE THE FIRST RECIPIENTS OF THE VACCINE? 

As per the Apollo plan of action, in the first round, frontline workers and patients recovering from Covid-19 will be vaccinated as priority. 

The various Apollo hospitals, clinics and medical facilities are equipped to administer a large volume of vaccines a day, so people can be assured that they won’t have to wait too long. 

CAN PEOPLE WHO ARE UNDER DENTAL TREATMENTS GET VACCINATED? 

Yes, there is good news for them. After consulting their dentists/ orthodontists/ family physicians, they can get vaccinated without fear. 

Those undergoing surgical procedures for dental treatments, braces, dentures, or are on strong medication will have to consult their dentists or vaccine specialists beforehand. They may have to wait a while, to avoid reactions of the medication to the vaccine. 

Patients who encounter a challenging health condition while recovering from the virus, will also be able to safely get vaccinated, but only after their doctors give the go-ahead. 

IS IT SAFE FOR ALL? 

Currently, these vaccines have only been tested on individuals who have volunteered for it. However, this group largely excludes the elderly with health issues, children or pregnant women, and so the research is not yet 100% conclusive.  

This indicates that, as of now, the current vaccine is likely to suit some people more than the others. 

Data has always shown that each individual constitution is unique. Therefore, the efficacy and side effects may vary mildly. The outcomes, though, are very heartening, and that is the reason that the Government of India has green signaled the same. 

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS? 

Side effects may include: 

Slight soreness or pain where vaccinated

Mild fever

Fatigue

Headaches

Mild flu-like symptoms. 

These may last for less than a week in most cases. 

IS A VACCINE NECESSARY IF A PERSON HAS ALREADY TAKEN A FLU-VACCINE? 

The flu vaccine cannot protect someone from getting COVID. In case a person has taken a flu vaccine a few days prior, they should wait for at least a week before this one. 

SHOULD A PERSON GET VACCINATED IF THEY ARE UNWELL? 

Anyone who is unwell, has any form of fever, headaches, cough or cold should self-quarantine. In case they are already under home quarantine, waiting for test results, they should only get vaccinated after they test negative. 

CAN A VACCINATED PERSON GIVE THE VIRUS TO ANYONE? 

Since the vaccine reduces a person’s chances of catching the virus, they are not likely to be carriers of the same - in most cases. However, there is no recorded data so far about whether a person can get a mild or asymptomatic version of the same, after getting vaccinated. 

Therefore, it is imperative that people continue to follow the norms of social distancing, wearing masks and frequent handwashing. 

It is still a long way to go, before things become relatively normal, so DON’T LOWER YOUR GUARD. 

SHOULD CERTAIN PEOPLE AVOID TAKING A VACCINE? 

In most cases, vaccines are safe for everyone, and can be given to all those in the age group specified. But, if anyone is severely allergic to particular components of the vaccine, they may have to delay it until their doctors give them a go-ahead. 

Pregnant women, senior citizens or children having any dental treatments ongoing, will have to consult their respective specialists before getting vaccinated. 

HAS IT BEEN TRIAL-TESTED? WHAT ARE THE RESULTS? 

Yes, all the vaccines being developed are being trial-tested on a mixed group of people. 

However, since the numbers are still limited and each individual responds differently, conclusive results will only be shared just before the vaccines are ready to be rolled out. 

Like with all vaccines, this one too should be taken under the advice of your family physician keeping in mind your health.