Vax absolutely safe, go get your shot: AIIMS director
BHUBANESWAR: Gitanjali Batmanabane, the director of AIIMS Bhubaneswar, who was among the frontline healthcare workers to receive the second shot of the vaccine on Monday, vouched for its safety and urged everyone to come forward and take it. “I did not experience any adverse event following immunization (AEFI) since the administration of the first dose on January 16. I did not feel any pain while being given the second dose either. I am perfectly fine. All must go for it,” she said.
Sunil Kota, an endocrinologist from Berhampur, could not thank the government enough for taking such good care of healthcare professionals from both the government and private sector. “I do not have any apprehension about the vaccine. As the days are passing by, we are coming across more scientific data and first-hand experience from colleagues about the vaccine’s efficacy,” he added.
Kota, too, did not experience any AEFI. “Some have minor pain, fever, flu-like self-limiting symptoms, which can be addressed with simple paracetamol and anti-allergic drugs. I appeal to all to have faith in the vaccine’s efficacy and safety. For any queries/ apprehensions, talk to your doctor, instead of relying on other means of information. Be patient, register yourself in Co-Win, wait for your turn and go get your shot without any hesitation,” he added.
Kanhu Patra, the subdivisional medical officer of Chatrapur, felt even more relieved after taking the second shot of the vaccine. He professed to have no fear of it since the time it was approved for emergency use. “I am feeling more confident after taking the second shot. I had taken the necessary precautions after the first shot of the vaccine. Now I am fully protected from Covid,” he added.
Patra, 60, also did not get any AEFI after the first shot. “I was pretty confident because of the way the vaccines were being prepared scientifically. The second shot has only boosted my confidence. I request others to take this vaccine immediately. Only a vaccine can arrest any possible second wave of infection,” he said.