The year 2020 was celebrated by all Pakistani citizens with full zeal and zest. Little did the poor souls know that a disaster is in the making. It was February 26, 2020, when the first case of a deadly virus, Covid-19, appeared. Life turned upside down as people started losing their loved ones. This pandemic left everyone helpless. Everybody was waiting for a miracle who could save them. And during the chaos, the AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan came as a ray of hope in the night. You might be wondering how the vaccine works; let’s discuss it in detail.
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Covid-19 And What Does A Vaccine Do?
Coronavirus is a very contagious virus as it spreads very fast. It spreads from one affected person to the other through contaminated droplets and hands. Wearing a mask, maintaining a distance of 6 feet, sanitizing the surfaces and hands are some of the measures that, if taken, would lower the chances of getting this deadly virus. But if you want to win the battle against Covid-19, go for vaccination. Vaccines boost your body’s immunity. They add more years to your life by saving you from being attacked by deadly viruses.
Covid-19 Vaccines In Pakistan
Among a wide range of vaccines available around the globe, Pakistan is the luckiest to have some of those. Vaccines of Covid-19 available in Pakistan include Pfizer, Moderna, Sinopharm, CanSino, Sputnik, SinoVac and AstraZeneca.
Read more about the Covid-19 Vaccine here.
AstraZeneca Vaccine
AstraZeneca vaccine is designed by Oxford University and produced by a British- Swedish company AstraZeneca. Despite that it causes blood clotting, it is declared safe to use by the World Health Organization and is also recommended by European Medicines Agency.
How Does This Vaccine Work?
AstraZeneca vaccine uses Chimpanzee adenovirus as a vector. This transfers the DNA of Coronavirus into your cells. The calls take up the DNA and convert them into spike protein of the virus, which the virus uses for entering the cell to cause an infection. As a result, your cells initiate an immune response. One thing that must be kept in mind over here is that the viruses are microscopic, allowing them to infect others.
How Is AstraZeneca Similar To Johnson And Johnson Vaccine?
Both of them use a modified version of the virus as a harmless vector to the human body. They use adenovirus as a carrier with all the information your body needs to initiate an immune response against Coronavirus.
How does AstraZeneca Vaccine In Pakistan Differ From Other Vaccines?
Unlike Pfizer and Moderna, the AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan can be stored in a regular refrigerator. It uses a virus as a vector, while Moderna and Pfizer are based on Messenger RNA. This means it has a different mechanism to show an immune response.
AstraZeneca Vaccine In Pakistan
Pakistani authorities authorized the AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan for emergency use on January 16, 2021. The Pakistani government has introduced hundreds of centres across the country where you can get yourself vaccinated. What you have to do is register yourself, and you are ready to go.
Learn more about how to register for the vaccine here.
Who Can Get The AstraZeneca Vaccine In Pakistan?
AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan is open to anyone who is above 18 years old. Eligibility criteria for this vaccine are as under:
- All Pakistanis more than 18 years old are eligible for its shot.
- Those who have mild Coronavirus can get vaccinated with AstraZeneca once they are done with their isolation period.
- Those who have a severe Covid-19 can get it, but not during the illness. They can get themselves vaccinated with AstraZeneca once they are recovered.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding their kids can have it.
- Patients who have gone through any transplantation can get this vaccine after three months of their transplantation.
- Those who are in a post-chemotherapy stage can get its shot 28 days after their chemotherapy.
People who are not eligible for AstraZeneca includes:
- Anyone who is under 18
- Those who are allergic to any vaccines
- Those who had a clotting disorder after they got their first dose
- Anyone having fever at the time of the shot
- Patients having seizures or with Gastrointestinal bleeding disorders
- Patients who are on immunosuppressive medicine can have AstraZeneca 28 days after their medication
- People having a history of thrombosis or heparin-induced thrombocytopenia
Second Dose Of AstraZeneca Vaccine In Pakistan
According to WHO, the AstraZeneca vaccine is given in two doses. The second dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan is given at a longer interval than other vaccines whose second dose is given after 3 to 4 weeks.
Benefits Of AstraZeneca Vaccine
AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan is kept in a regular refrigerator. It is inexpensive compared to the vaccines. Moreover, it can be produced in a large quantity and a short period.
Side Effects Of AstraZeneca Vaccine
According to research, it causes redness, swelling, itching, fatigue, fever, nausea, headache, muscle ache and joint pain. It has a low efficacy rate, and those at high risk of a blood clot should avoid it. Moreover, it causes swelling of the tongue or face and shortness of breath in those who have allergic reactions.
Why worry about Coronavirus when we have the vaccination available. Let’s get vaccinated and defeat the enemy. Let’s be happy and healthy.
FAQ’s
1. Where can we get the AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan?
It is available in all the vaccination centres across Pakistan. Just show the code they sent you while registering and get yourself vaccinated.
2. Is the AstraZeneca vaccine in Pakistan safe to use?
Yes, it is safe. It is declared safe to use by the World Health Organization and recommended by the European Medicines Agency.
3. How does the AstraZeneca vaccine cost?
It doesn’t cost you a penny as it is made free to all Pakistani citizens by the government of Pakistan.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top laboratories in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
Can’t Find The App?
Android Users:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=controllers.marham.marhammed&hl=en
Drop a review for us at Playstore if you’ve had a good experience!
iPhone Users:
https://apps.apple.com/pk/app/marham-find-a-doctor/id1095243102
Stay Home Stay Safe!
