Undoubtedly, the entire world has fallen prey to the deadly coronavirus. It has caused severe setbacks globally in unusual ways leaving nations crumbling and fighting. Despite continuous efforts, the virus is on its way to surge again. Pakistan, initially being one of the few countries with the best response to the situation, is now surrounded by the risk of a fourth wave. Amidst these circumstances, vaccination is playing a much significant role in reducing the severity of this virus. Like other countries, Pakistan has started to vaccinate its population to uphold its fragile economy. A list of some approved vaccines includes AstraZeneca, Sputnik, Cansino, Moderna, Pfizer, Sinovac, and Sinopharm.
Why is Vaccination Important?
Though a variety of myths have come forward regarding the COVID vaccines, it is important to look for the truth and rule out the conspiracies. Here is why vaccination is necessary:
- Helps to prevent the spread of the virus.
- Protects you from getting affected severely.
- Is safe and effective for everyone.
- Can counter other variants.
- Is an effective approach towards going back to normal?
A Closer Look at Some Common Vaccines Available in Pakistan
Given below is an account of the commonly available vaccines in Pakistan:
Cansino:
Cansino is a single-dose vaccine that is produced by the Chinese military and CanSino Biologics. As per the trials, this vaccine is 91% effective in averting serious illness and 65.7% effective in averting mild symptoms of the virus (Jajja, 2021).
Cansino vaccine is suitable for:
- Pregnant as well as breastfeeding women.
- People who are 18 and above.
- People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.
However, the following people should refrain from getting this vaccine:
- People with active Coronavirus.
- People in their post-transplantation phase (they may receive it after 3 months of transplant.)
- People having serious respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and neurological illnesses.
- Chronically immunosuppressed individuals may get administered, but the effect might be less.
Sinovac:
Sinovac or CoronaVac is an inactivated vaccine produced by a Chinese company, namely Sinovac Biotech. According to studies, Sinovac is 80% effective in averting the risk of death, 85% effective in averting serious illness, and 67% effective in averting mild symptoms.
Sinovac is suitable for the following:
- Pregnant as well as breastfeeding women.
- People aged 18 and above.
- People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.
However, it must not be given to the following:
- People with previous allergic reactions to Sinovac.
- People under 18 years of age.
- Individuals with serious neurological conditions.
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients of Sinovac or any other inactivated vaccine (WHO, 2021).
Sputnik:
Sputnik is developed by Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in Russia. It is an adenovirus viral vector vaccine that makes use of a viral vector to deliver genetic code for an antigen in the recipient’s host cells. According to a study, Sputnik is 91.6% effective and each shot delivers one vector (Hewings-Martin, 2021).
Sputnik is suitable for the following:
- Breastfeeding women.
- Pregnant women but after with their doctors.
- People aged 18 and above.
- People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.
However, it should not be given to the following:
- People with active coronavirus.
- People who have had complications after the first dose of Sputnik.
- People suffering from fever at the time of vaccination.
Sinopharm:
Sinopharm is another effective vaccine that is developed by the Beijing Institute of Biological Products (PrecisionVaccinations, 2021). This vaccine is 79.34% effective for COVID patients.
Sinopharm is suitable for:
- Pregnant as well as breastfeeding women.
- People aged 18 and above.
- People having health issues that can increase the risk of serious illness due to COVID.
However, it is not advisable to give it to the following:
- People suffering from fever at the time of vaccination.
- People in their post-transplantation phase (they may receive it after 3 months of transplant).
- People having serious respiratory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases, and neurological illnesses.
- Chronically immunosuppressed individuals may get administered but the effect might be less.
All these vaccines are being given to people according to their health conditions. Several other vaccines like AstraZeneca, Pfizer, etc. have also been deemed top quality. They are the gateway to normalcy and sanity in the world once again.
So, what is holding you back from getting vaccinated?