PANAJI
Days after reactions and side effects were reported in at least 10 frontline Covid-19 health workers who took the vaccine jab in the first round, the Directorate of Health Services stoutly defended it saying such symptoms "normally occur".
"Symptoms such as pain and tenderness at the site of injection, bodyache, myalgia, weakness, fever, vomiting, loose motion and pain in abdomen normally occur within 24-hours of vaccination and it is an indication that the vaccine is working on the immune system of the beneficiary," the DHS said in a press release.
The DHS also admitted that some of the 400-odd vaccination beneficiaries who were inoculated with the covishield vaccine in Goa had reported symptoms.
It said, simple remedies like paracetamol, ORS and rest helps get rid of the minor symptoms, adding that the vaccine is approved by ICMR and the Drug Controller of India.
"The vaccine is safe, well tested and effective,” the DHS press release said.
Nonetheless, there is a sense of disquiet with medical and para-medical staff who are being enlisted for vaccination in a quandary over the decision whether to take the vaccine jab or not.
Several nurses told The Goan that a subtly coercive strategy is being adopted by the authorities to enlist them for the vaccination sometimes resorting to veiled threats of disciplinary repercussions if they refused.
Non medical staff of government health facilities too are being enrolled for the vaccination and many of them are under stress to take the call.
Top DHS officials however denied that any coercive measures are being adopted to implement the vaccination drive.
Interestingly, the sense on uncertainty whether or not to take the vaccine also prevails among private medical practitioners and para-medics. The Goan spoke to several doctors and while some said they would take the shot when they get a call, others said they would prefer to play the waiting game and opt to take it later when more information is available on its safety and efficacy.
Another death, Goa toll is 757
PANAJI: Covid-19 claimed one more life, that of an 85-year-old woman from Raia, who died at the Goa Medical College and Hospital.
With this death, the toll has reached 757. Also, 55 more people were reported to have contracted in 24 between Wednesday and Thursday.
As many as 1,748 samples were tested. 54 recovered from the series. As of Thursday, Goa has 865 active cases at 96.92% recovery rate.
