The much awaited covid-19 vaccine is finally here. Like everything else, Pakistanis are divide don this too. Some are eager to get the vaccine as soon as possible, some are reluctant to get it, some are considering it a “yahhodion ki sazish” and some think that “corona hai hi nahi to vaccine is cheez ki?”. No matter which sect you belong to, we are here to guide you about the covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan, in case you want to get it.
The covid-19 vaccine has been made within a year which is almost a world record. Although the pressure and the burden on the healthcare system were the driving force behind the fast development of the vaccine, it has raised many questions regarding the credibility of this vaccine. Questioning the efficiency of the Covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan is quite normal but now that it has been administered to many people safely, it has somewhat proven itself.
Latest article: How to Register for COVID Vaccine in Pakistan?
Covid-19 Vaccines Available In Pakistan
Now, Pakistan has a number of coronavirus vaccines available for use by the public. The most common ones are the Sinopharm vaccine and the Sputnik V vaccine. The former one is more commonly known as the Chinese vaccine and the government has been administering it for free. The Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccine developed by Oxford University is also available for older adults.
These vaccines are divided on the basis of the part of the virus they include. These have either the protein subunit, whole virus., nucleic acid or viral vector.
Are There Any Harms?
You are likely to not notice any side effects at all. But in some cases, you might see very light side effects. The side effects depend on the vaccine you get. The most common side effect is soreness at the site of injection. Other side effects include fatigue, headache, muscle aches, chills, joint pain, and possibly some fever.
Keep in mind that the covid-19 vaccine is “reactogenic”. This means that it can cause the disease itself, obviously in the milder form. So noticing some fever, and body aches are quite normal.
Read about the complications of Covid-19.
What To Expect?
Obviously, you will be eager to get the vaccine and go out mask free but bear in mind that you can get infected even after the vaccine. The vaccine does not promise the complete prevention of coronavirus, but it promises to lessen the severity drastically.
A single dose of the vaccine will not provide you full protection. Even after the second dose, it will take about 7 days to get full protection.
The TimeSpan Of Covid-19 Vaccine In Pakistan
You will need almost a month to get fully vaccinated. After the initial dose, you will need a second dose after 21days. In unusual circumstances, you can get your second dose after a maximum of 42 days. This again depends upon the type of vaccine you use.
How To Get The Covid-19 Vaccine In Pakistan?
Now, if you have made up your mind and are eager to get vaccinated, you need to know a few more things. The Pakistan Government is administering the covid-19 vaccine to all people above 40 now. If you are below this age and are eager to get the vaccine, you can do so by availing a private vaccination service from any hospital offering it.
These are the essential steps in getting the covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan.
1. Consult a Doctor
This step might not be a part of any guidebook given by the government, but it is quite an essential step. Your doctor will assess your overall health and give you a heads up to get the vaccination. Seriously ill or critical people can not bear the vaccination and it can do more bad than good. Similarly, people that are very old might not be able to bear the vaccine.
2. Check For Your Eligibility
Before making up your mind you need to check the eligibility with the government’s portal, for the covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan. You can check your eligibility by sending your 13 digit CNIC number to 1166. You can also do so by visiting https://nims.nadra.gov.pk.
3. Get A Confirmation
If you are eligible, you will get an SMS that will allot you a pin code and Adult Vaccination Center (AVC).
4. The Appointment
Unfortunately, you can not book an appointment according to your convenience. Depending upon the vaccines available you will be allotted a time and date, through an SMS.
5. Visit The Centre
Now is the time to visit the allotted center. You will have to take your original CNIC and Pin code.
6. The Verification
You will have to go to the verification counter first. The staff will check your verification with NIMS (National Immunization Management System) and check your CNIC and Pin code.
7. The Vaccination
Here comes the devil itself, a five-second injection. Now you will be administered a dose of covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan.
8. The Confirmation
The healthcare staff will confirm your vaccine entry in NIMS (National Immunization Management System).
9. The Monitoring
To be on the safe side, you will have to stay in the center. You will be monitored for 30 minutes to see if you face any side effects.
The Bottom Line
Getting the vaccine or not is your decision. But thinking that it will kill you is an exaggeration. Now the vaccine is being used across the globe now and no drastic side effects have been noticed. So it is best that you get yourself vaccinated so we all can live in a mask-free world as soon as possible.
Best of luck in getting your Covid-19 vaccine in Pakistan.
Book an appointment now, to answer all your queries. You can book an appointment with the top doctors in Pakistan through Marham by calling at Marham helpline: 0311-1222398 or by online appointment booking facility through the website or Marham mobile app.
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