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#COVAXIN
Would I take COVAXIN if offered to me?
Yes.
Why? Read on.
Disclaimer: This isn't about vaccine nationalism or supporting bad science or my bio
. This is purely a PERSONAL choice/approach to this dilemma - based on few facts and logic.
So, why would I take COVAXIN? https://twitter.com/malludoc/status/1349766650220843008
Would I take COVAXIN if offered to me?
Yes.
Why? Read on.
Disclaimer: This isn't about vaccine nationalism or supporting bad science or my bio
. This is purely a PERSONAL choice/approach to this dilemma - based on few facts and logic.So, why would I take COVAXIN? https://twitter.com/malludoc/status/1349766650220843008
FACTS:
India's vaccination drive will be underway from Jan 16 wherein Healthcare workers will be vaccinated first.
As I understand, majority of the centres have received COVISHIELD, while few selected centres across India have received COVAXIN.
India's vaccination drive will be underway from Jan 16 wherein Healthcare workers will be vaccinated first.
As I understand, majority of the centres have received COVISHIELD, while few selected centres across India have received COVAXIN.
But there is no efficacy data for COVAXIN?
No there isn't. But there is safety data from Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials which says the vaccine is safe enough.
You can access the Phase 2 pre-print here. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.21.20248643v1
No there isn't. But there is safety data from Phase 1 and Phase 2 trials which says the vaccine is safe enough.
You can access the Phase 2 pre-print here. https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2020.12.21.20248643v1
Now, Phase 3 trials for COVAXIN are on-going. Recruitment is completed. The trial is expected to be finished in a couple of months, after which the full data will be published.
The vaccination of Healthcare workers across India will also take a few months to complete.
The vaccination of Healthcare workers across India will also take a few months to complete.
By the time it is finished and the general population gets a chance to get vaccinated, @BharatBiotech will have published their Phase 3 data.
So, the question of getting COVAXIN without efficacy data is limited to Healthcare workers only.
(Please correct me if wrong)
So, the question of getting COVAXIN without efficacy data is limited to Healthcare workers only.
(Please correct me if wrong)
Now,
COVAXIN is going to be administered as if it is an ongoing trial - with prior informed consent and atleast the promise of monitoring AEFI.
It would be as if you are a volunteer in a trial, except you know you are receiving the vaccine and not the placebo.
COVAXIN is going to be administered as if it is an ongoing trial - with prior informed consent and atleast the promise of monitoring AEFI.
It would be as if you are a volunteer in a trial, except you know you are receiving the vaccine and not the placebo.
LOGIC:
As a medico, I understand the risks involved, the process and can monitor myself after getting the jab. As a medico, I can contact concerned authorities regarding any issue, more easily than a non-medico.
As a medico, I understand the risks involved, the process and can monitor myself after getting the jab. As a medico, I can contact concerned authorities regarding any issue, more easily than a non-medico.
Phase 1/Phase 2 volunteers go in blind regarding safety as well. Here, we do have adequate safety data.
So, if the issue is with safety of the vaccine, I believe it is safe enough to proceed with.
So, if the issue is with safety of the vaccine, I believe it is safe enough to proceed with.
What about Efficacy?
As I said above, the question of getting COVAXIN, without efficacy data is limited only to HCWs for now. By the time the general population is up for vaccination, we'll have that data as well.
As I said above, the question of getting COVAXIN, without efficacy data is limited only to HCWs for now. By the time the general population is up for vaccination, we'll have that data as well.
Then why would I take it without efficacy data?
Since it's not available, as an individual, purely based on personal preferences, I would prefer to volunteer and contribute to the efficacy data any way I can.
The minimum threshold for approval is 50%. https://twitter.com/FaheemYounus/status/1349686622116339718?s=19
Since it's not available, as an individual, purely based on personal preferences, I would prefer to volunteer and contribute to the efficacy data any way I can.
The minimum threshold for approval is 50%. https://twitter.com/FaheemYounus/status/1349686622116339718?s=19
Now, many other medicos may not agree with me. Not everyone wants to be a volunteer for a trial or receive a vaccine without adequate data.
And that is perfectly fine. Everyone is entitled to their personal choices.
This is mine.
And that is perfectly fine. Everyone is entitled to their personal choices.
This is mine.
As far as the general population is concerned, it'll take atleast a few months before their turn to get vaccinated.
By then, you'll have all the data you need on COVAXIN.
By then, you'll have all the data you need on COVAXIN.
I understand many medicos/non-medicos will have reservations against this thought process and I expect a lot of criticism.
Well, more perspectives are always welcome.
Nothing better than a civil discussion on this.
Well, more perspectives are always welcome.
Nothing better than a civil discussion on this.
