Two vaccine recipients in Mumbai were reported to have felt adverse events following immunization (AEFI) on Monday as the state began vaccination drives for all senior citizens and those above 45 with co-morbidities.
However, civic officials clarified that both recipients witnessed minor giddiness and were kept under observation before being sent back within 30 minutes.
Around 7,350 people were vaccinated on March 1 which included 1,722 seniors and 260 people above the age of 45 with comorbidities.
Although state officials are yet to provide further details on the AEFI rates, some estimates say that cases of adverse reactions are under 1 per cent so far.
Officials said that they were vigilant for any reactions given that many people aged between 80 and 90 showed up for vaccinations. They added that none of the recipients witnessed any major reactions to the shot.
In a separate case, after receiving the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine just days ago, a doctor from Mumbai’s Sion Hospital has tested positive for the virus on Monday. As per officials at the hospital, the doctor received the Covishield vaccine.
The doctor has been admitted to the Seven Hills Hospital while his hostel mates have been reportedly placed under quarantine.
Experts say that it takes up to 14 days after taking the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine to develop an effective immunity against the virus.
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Dean at Sion Hospital, Mohan Joshi said that post-vaccination precautions are very important given that immunity takes time to kick in.
“The symptoms are mild so there isn't much to worry about. But, the fact remains that one needs to be careful even after getting vaccinated,” he said referring to the doctor who tested positive on Monday.
This is not the first time that a health worker has tested positive for the virus just days after taking a vaccine shot.
Also read - Around 43 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Doses Shipped From Mumbai Airport So Far
In February, a doctor at BYL Nair hospital tested positive for COVID-19 around nine days after receiving the first Covishield dose. Fortunately, the doctor has since made a full recovery.
Such instances only highlight the need to remain vigilant even after receiving a vaccine. This is precisely why experts have recommended following the basic rules that were established when the pandemic started - keep your distance, wear a mask, wash/sanitize your hands frequently.
Read - COVID-19 Vaccine Beneficiaries Can Now Choose Between Covishield, Covaxin
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