Devotee:
Greetings, Guru Dev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings, child. Tell me.
Devotee:
Today, our doctor, Nilanjan Bhattacharya, has received the second dose of the COVID vaccine.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
He took the second phase? Tell us, Doctor. When you took the first phase, did you face any difficulties?
Dr. Nilanjan:
After taking the first one, on the night of the injection, I experienced some chills and rigors. For about two days, I had some body aches and felt a bit sluggish, which is common with any viral vaccine fever. There was also some pain at the site where I took the vaccine. Exactly 28 days later, we received a government notification specifying the time and place for the second dose. It was registered against our Aadhaar card and PAN card. We went to the official Indian government website called "CoWIN," enrolled there, and took the vaccine.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Right now, COVID isn't really visible in West Bengal. People are saying many things, but actually, not many people are getting infected. Maybe just one or two isolated cases. You can tell us better: what is the current situation of COVID in West Bengal?
Dr. Nilanjan:
Well, there are two parts. Regarding the vaccination, we received our second dose today. This second dose completes the vaccination process. It is said that there is a 70% chance of developing immunity, and how long it lasts depends on the antibody titer response in the coming days. The concern is the new strains and the "second wave" being seen in places like Maharashtra or Bangalore. We've heard of a few isolated incidents. If something like that happens, we will have to wait and see.
Dr. Nilanjan:
However, in Kolkata, the fatality rate has definitely decreased significantly. Whether it is due to people's awareness, the vaccine, or herd immunity, it is happening gradually. I believe everyone should take the vaccine in the coming days. Two types of vaccines are currently available: Covaxin and Covishield. We took Covishield. We didn't take Covaxin because it wasn't available at the time of our enrollment, but Covaxin is also good; both have market approval. Hopefully, their quality will be sufficient to provide resistance.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
On the other hand, it is seen that cases are increasing in Maharashtra or Kerala. But in West Bengal particularly, we see that COVID has almost gone away. One or two cases occur, which can't be counted for much. So, in the coming days, more people will take it. Once more people take it, we will understand if there are side effects. You can't tell immediately; it takes some time. You took it today, but you won't know the full effects today.
Dr. Nilanjan:
Yes, we don't know the long-term side effects or what neurological complications might occur. We really don't know. We are taking it based on trust.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Since you are in the medical profession, you have to take it. The government has put pressure on doctors, nurses, and high-level officials; you must take it. Later, the general public will take it, though I don't think people are ready for it yet. That is what I feel. So far, you haven't felt any major side effects?
Dr. Nilanjan:
Just the usual ones for a day or two—some body ache, shivering, and a bit of fever.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
That happens with any vaccine. It's a minor reaction, not a major one. So, what do you think about COVID in the future?
Dr. Nilanjan:
My personal opinion is that if a second wave comes with a new strain, this vaccine might not provide immunity against it because this vaccine is for a specific strain. It is being heard that just as the pneumonia vaccine needs to be taken periodically, we might need a COVID vaccine every six months for new strains.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
We already take a vaccine every year for common colds and fevers, and another every five years for pneumonia.
Dr. Nilanjan:
Something like that might happen for COVID as well.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Research is ongoing. Some things are being done in a hurry, and there is pressure on you. We can't say for sure yet; side effects appear much later. But surely the government wouldn't give you anything harmful that would ruin an asset like you—doctors are assets. The government won't do that, hopefully.
Devotee:
So, you just heard the doctor's experience after taking the second dose of the COVID vaccine. Greetings, Guru Dev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Greetings, greetings.