Treatment of head and neck cancer in India

Cancer is a major global public health disease that plagues a huge part of the world’s population. In India, head and neck cancer is the most common type of cancer that affects the population. Millions of people in India suffer from this disease, and many of the patients succumb to cancer due to the severity of the disease. On average, it is expected that India is responsible for 71% of the mortality rate of head and neck cancer in South-East Asia.

The treatment for cancer varies from state to state in India. There are other factors such as infrastructure and treatment protocols as well when it comes to cancer treatment in India. To improve cancer treatment, the Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) formulated the National Cancer Control Program in 1975-1976, which gives strength to control cancer in India.

Treatment of head and neck cancer has changed remarkably with the help of multi initiative ideas. There is plenty of data regarding treatment protocol, delivery, and the outcome of head and neck cancer treatment in India. Let’s look at the details of head and neck cancer and its treatment process in India.

Head and Neck Cancer and its Symptoms

Head and Neck cancer refers to a group of similar type of cancers that affects the head and neck region. It includes the oral cavity in places like lips, tongue, gum, salivary glands, voice box, tonsils, sinuses, throat, ear, lymph nodes in the neck, nasal cavity. This type of cancer is very common for men and people over the age of 50.

Head and neck cancer is first detected in the squamous cells that line the moist, mucosal surfaces inside the head and neck. Some common symptoms are :

• A white patch on the tongue, gums, or lining of the mouth

• A non-healing sore in the mouth or tongue, or lip

• Loose teeth

• Feeling something stuck in the throat

• Change in voice

How can Head and Neck Cancer be diagnosed?

If you observe any type of symptoms that seems suspicious, firstly consult with your family physician. A doctor can recommend which test you should do for your health. Here is a list of tests that are used by doctors to screen any cancerous formations in your body.

• Endoscopy - A thin and lighted tube named endoscope is used to examine any particular area of the body.

• Biopsy - It uses to remove tissues. Biopsy confirms whether the person has cancer or not.

• CT Scan - CT Scan captures detailed pictures of areas inside the head and neck. It links to an X-ray machine by a computer.

• X-rays - X-ray films inside head and neck.

• Laboratory - In laboratory tests are held with the sample of blood, urine, or other substances from the body.

• MRI - Magnetic resonance imaging creates a detailed picture inside the head and neck by using a powerful magnet.

• PET Scan - This scan is done with sugar that is specifically modified. If cancer cells are present in the area, it absorbs and leaves a dark spot in the scan report.

Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer In India

• Chemotherapy

Anti-cancer drugs are used in chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells. The drugs are usually applied to the veins. Drugs then dissolve in the blood and reach the cancer cells, and kill them. Chemotherapy is given with a combination of radiation therapy for head or neck cancer patients. As per the report, chemotherapy is proven more effective than radiation therapy to treat head and neck cancer.

• Surgery

Surgeons may remove cancer-affected tissues and some of the healthy tissue around them. For early-stage tumours, surgeons use laser technology. Lymph nodes in the neck can also be removed by surgery if they cause cancer to spread. Surgery on the head and neck may change the patient’s ability to talk, chew and swallow.

• Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy itself or in combination with chemotherapy has been used to cure many patients with head and neck cancer. This therapy is done with high-energy x-rays to kill the cancer cells in your head and neck region.

Conclusion

The treatment for head and neck cancer is absolutely necessary mainly because it has a high mortality rate. If you are diagnosed in the early stages with chemo and radiation therapy, you can beat cancer. The crucial thing for you to do is to find the appropriate medical care provider that can help you get through cancer successfully. For the best head and neck cancer treatment in Jodhpur, be sure to visit Medipulse hospital.

How the intensive care unit works as a saviour of million of lives

People who get admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are critically ill and need intense specialized care. ICUs are designed to provide ventilation, high-tech treatments, medications to support blood pressure, and close monitoring from doctors and nurses in order to help the patient survive. Since its inception in India in the 1970s, the ICU has become an integral part of the hospital health system.

An ICU is an organized system for providing an enhanced capacity for monitoring critically ill patients and multiple modalities of physiological organ support to sustain life during a period of life-threatening organ system insufficiency/failure. So, now that you know what an ICU is let’s understand the functions of this hospital department and how it saves lives.

Under Which Conditions Are Patients Referred To The ICU?

The intensive care unit of a hospital provides emergency support and immediate care for sudden and critical health problems of the patients who need it. Patients affected by accidents with serious injuries, trauma, serious infections, and patients who undergo invasive surgery or people having difficulty breathing may be referred to the ICU.

Here are some of the common conditions that are treated in the ICU:

●        Organ failure

●        Chest pain with difficulty breathing

●        Heart attack

●        Sudden internal pain in the body

●        Asthma

●        Drug-resistant infections

●        Premature birth

●        Pneumonia

●        Serious accidents include car accidents, burns, falls, or industrial accidents.

Who Are The Members Of An Intensive Care Team?

Highly trained professionals provide intensive care. They are specially trained to look after critically ill patients in emergency cases. All team members may be asked to teach patients and their families various strategies to improve health and well-being specific to their area of expertise. The strength of the team includes:

• Intensivists

• Critical care Nurses

• Clinical Pharmacologist

• Dietician

• Patient-care Co-ordinator

• Physiotherapist

• ICU Technicians

Types Of Equipment Used In ICUs

For intensive care, hospitals arrange for various machines and tools to prepare for any critical condition. From measuring blood to specialized devices to monitor patients and help treat the patient. There are various types of equipment like Ventilator, ET tube, NIV, HFNC, Cardiac Monitor, and many more. Some of them are discussed below.

• High-flow Nasal Cannula

A high flow nasal cannula is used for delivering a high concentration of oxygen to the patients. This therapy is an oxygen supply system that can deliver up to 100% humidified and heated oxygen at a flow rate of up to 60 liters per minute. The oxygen is routed through a humidifier to ensure it is moist and does not dry the airways.

• Non-Invasive Ventilation(NIV)

Non-Invasive ventilation is used for breathing support administered through a facial mask, nasal mask, or a helmet. Oxygen-added air is given through the mask with a specified pressure. The mask is secured tightly with the patient to ensure proper functioning. NIV is only for conscious patients to take breadth comfortably. Although sometimes NIV is used to try and prevent ventilation, sometimes it might be needed for a patient who just comes off the ventilator.

• Ventilator

A ventilator is a machine mainly used in ICUs. This machine passes breathable air into and out of the lungs to make breadth easy for a patient who has difficulty breathing. It has different settings to meet the needs of a patient. The nurse at the bedside adjusts its settings according to the patient’s condition and requirement.

Conclusion

The ICU of a hospital is where only the most critical patients go, and thanks to modern medical science and the extreme hard work of medical professionals, a significant part of the people administered in the ICU come back to health. If you or your loved ones are currently suffering from any critical illness and you need a trustable and quality hospital that is able to provide the quality healthcare your family member deserves, be sure to visit Medipulse hospital in Jodhpur for the best ICU medical care.

The efficacy of supplement in pregnancy: what’s safe and what’s not

Expectant mothers often focus on their diet to improve their health during the pregnancy period. Maternal diet for the health of the fetus is very important for any pregnant woman. The nutrition of the baby depends on the maternal diet that is taken while pregnant. Deficiencies in critical nutrients can lead to malformations and poor health outcomes for both the mother and her baby.

You must know about the fact that high mercury seafood, alcohol, and cigarettes are off-limits during pregnancy. These facts can lead you to feel overwhelmed and confused about your circumstances. To help you stay on top of your health, supplements play a vital role. There is substantial evidence on the role of nutritional supplements to reduce risks and improve maternal and fetal outcomes.

Consuming nutritional supplements are very common in pregnancy. There are many products available in the market. Getting the right nutrients is very important in every stage of life, but it is even more crucial during pregnancy. Information about supplements that are safe and which aren’t can help you to nourish yourself and your baby. Let’s learn more about nutritional supplements that you can take during pregnancy to keep yourself and your baby healthy.

Essential Vitamins And Minerals That Can Be Taken During Pregnancy That You Should Know

Good nutrients are vital during pregnancy for the healthy growth and development of your baby. Supplements are made for pregnant women to nourish their bodies with proper nutrients and minerals. They are called prenatal vitamins. Your doctor may suggest these vitamins during pregnancy. Some of the commonly prescribed prenatal vitamins are:

• Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D help build the nervous system and develop the skeleton of the baby.

• Folate to prevent neural tube effects. Neural tube effects refer to congenital disabilities that affect a baby’s brain and spinal cord. It develops early before women know about their pregnancy.

• Iodine for brain and nervous system development.

• Iron to prevent low birth weight for babies and anaemia for mothers.

• Calcium to prevent the loss of bone density as babies use calcium from their mother for their own bone growth during the pregnancy period.

• Other nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids chlorine are also essential to reduce the risk of a premature baby.

Are Dietary Supplements Safe During Pregnancy?

Dietary supplements are complementary medicines containing nutrients that may fill a deficiency in your diet, such as a multivitamin, fish oil capsules, and single minerals. It is recommended that women should not take any dietary or herbal supplements during pregnancy. Pregnant women should use supplements with caution, knowing all possible risks of taking these supplements before getting pregnant as it is not recommended.

Is It Safe To Take Nutritional Supplements During Pregnancy?

There is much conflicting information in the public domain about the safety or efficacy of nutritional supplements during pregnancy. Some supplements can affect your body according to your health condition. For example, iodine is critical for healthy thyroid function during pregnancy. It can also cause miscarriage, deafness and severe mental disabilities in extreme cases.

Gynaecologists advise women to take prenatal vitamins and supplements to prevent development abnormalities at birth and fill nutritional gaps to nourish mother and baby. Before taking any supplement, you are always recommended to consult with your doctor.

Conclusion

Every woman is conscious about her and her growing baby’s health. If you are pregnant or planning, you need to be careful about taking any kind of supplements. It’s always best for you to check with your doctor before making any decision. If you are in Rajasthan, you can visit Medipulse hospital to get the best and most updated information regarding prenatal vitamins that you should take when pregnant. You can also learn about the risks of taking dietary supplements during pregnancy.

What is RBSK & what treatments can you get at RBSK hospitals

From 2005 to 2012, there was a significant movement that reduced child mortality under the National Rural Health Mission program. Based on data from March 2006, out of every 100 babies, 6 to 7 children had congenital disabilities in the country. There was a dire need to improve early detection and management of conditions not included in the past mission to improve child health.

The Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) was an ambitious and innovative initialisation involving Child Health Screening and Early Intervention Services. It was invented in 2013 by the Ministry Of Health and Family Welfare under the National Health Mission. This initiative focuses on screening and managing health conditions of children from birth to 18 years of age.

RBSK was a systemic approach to the early identification of the medical condition for the mentioned age group with the goal of delivering care, support, and proper treatment. Now that you know the basics, let’s learn more about RBSK hospitals the conditions they screen and provide treatments for children.

The Targeted Beneficiaries of the RBSK Program

Various nutritional deficiencies and development delays affect preschooling children in India. The RBSK program aims to cover children 0-6 years of age in rural areas, and children from class 1 to 12 in government and government-aided schools. An estimated beneficiary of this service was about 27 crore in a phased manner. The children mentioned above have been categorised into three groups as per their age.

• Babies born at home or any public health facilities (Age up to 6 weeks)

• Preschool children in rural and urban slums both (Age from 6 weeks to 6 years)

• Children enrolled in Government and Government-aided schools (Class from 1 to 12)

Health conditions to be screened for Child Health and Early Intervention Services

Early Intervention and Child Screening Services aim to cover 30 selected conditions for screening. When a child is screened and positively diagnosed for any of these selected conditions, it is ensured that the necessary treatment will be delivered free of cost to the family. Here is a list of all the selected conditions that are covered by the program.

Defects at Birth

• Down Syndrome

• Neural Tube defect

• Developmental dysplasia of the hip

• Congenital heart diseases

• Congenital cataract

• Congenital deafness

• Talipes (club foot)

• Cleft Lip & Palate / Cleft palate alone

• Retinopathy of Prematurity

Development Delays and Disabilities

• Hearing Impairment

• Language delay

• Vision Impairment

• Neuro-motor Impairment

• Motor delay

• Cognitive delay

Deficiencies

• Severe anaemia

• Vitamin D Deficiency

• Vitamin A deficiency

• Severe Acute Malnutrition

• Goitre

Disease of Childhood

• Skin conditions

• Dental conditions

• Otitis Media

• Reactive airway disease

• Rheumatic heart disease

RBSK Program in Rajasthan

Rajasthan has achieved a record of conducting free heart surgeries of more than 1000 children to date. For the RBSK program, the health department pays Rs 60,000 to 2 lakhs per surgery for those parents who could not bear expenses for their children. The health department conducts screening of children up to 19 years, and if they are diagnosed with diseases, the health department helps them get free treatment.

One of the shining beacons of the RBSK program in western Rajasthan has been Medipulse hospital which has completed the most number of congenital heart procedures under the program. If you are entitled to the scheme and your child is suffering from any of the 30 conditions covered under the program, you can surely visit Medipulse hospital for the best medical care and free of cost treatment. You can learn more about the scheme treatment processes by visiting the hospital or by going through the official hospital website.

What you need to know about various types of childbirth processes

Childbirth is one of the most painful human experiences that women go through. The pain of childbirth is compared to pain experienced when you break a bone. For centuries and generations, childbirth was unassisted, and older women played the role of a birthing coach and helped women give birth. With the invention of modern medicine and medical technology, the process of childbirth has changed drastically.

Previously, childbirth was confined to the women’s home; now, women give birth at hospitals in sterile environments where the rate and possibility of any infections infecting the mother or child are very low. These advancements in medical science have improved the child mortality rate exponentially. Along with that, the process of childbirth has also changed over the years.

Today there are five types of deliveries or childbirth processes available for women which are advised by doctors. These childbirth processes are recommended to women and their families based on the type of pregnancy developed by women. So, let’s look at the various types of childbirth processes and understand their benefits.

Different Childbirth Processes & Their Benefits

Vaginal Birth

Vaginal birth, which is also referred to as natural birth, is a childbirth process where women go through labour unassisted. It is the safest type of childbirth, and it is the process of birth that was used in the past as well. Today, if women go for a vaginal birth, they are not given medications that are used to subdue the pain or medication to speed up the process of labour. One of the only medical help provided during vaginal birth is a baby heart monitor.

Episiotomy

Episiotomy is a surgical childbirth process where a cut is made in the perineum (the tissue between the vagina and the anus) of the woman. This cut allows for the baby to be born quicker and with lesser complications. Episiotomy is one of the most common childbirth processes, and it is very safe with low to no side effects. Currently, an episiotomy is only suggested to mothers if and when they develop complications during childbirth.

Forceps Delivery

Forceps delivery is a type of assisted childbirth process where doctors insert a forceps or salad tong like a medical device into the vagina to pull the child out and help them through the birthing canal. This type of delivery is only suggested to women that have developed any complication during their childbirth process. The shape of the medical device inserted in the woman resembles large spoons that help the baby out of the vagina.

Caesarean Delivery

One of the most commonly used childbirth processes in India, caesarean delivery, is a surgical process where the baby is extracted by making surgical incisions in the uterus and abdomen of women. This type of delivery is only advised only when there are complications in the natural birth process. Sometimes, it is also suggested when the head of the baby is too large for normal delivery. Caesarean delivery takes a longer recovery time as it is a complete surgical procedure.

Vacuum Extraction

Similar to the forceps delivery process, the vacuum extraction process uses suction to gently attach a plastic cup to the head of the baby and then using the suction, it slowly guides the baby out of the birthing canal. This process is also suggested to mothers that have developed any type of complications during the childbirth process.

Conclusion

These are some of the most commonly used childbirth processes. It is difficult to predict which of these procedures you can go through, but in general, each of these childbirth procedures have their pros and cons. It is crucial for you to speak to your doctor regarding these procedures to ensure you are fully knowledgeable about these procedures before going for any of them. For more information about different types of childbirth procedures, be sure to visit medipulse hospital in Jodhpur, Rajasthan.

What you should & should not eat during your pregnancy according to experts

Pregnancy is a difficult time for women because of the surge of hormones throughout their bodies and the various body pains and other problems. Having a proper diet during these times is essential for the health and wellbeing of the mother and child. Proper nutrition can help you go through your pregnancy safely while ensuring the best outcome for yourself and your baby. However, there are many restrictions and rules that you must follow regarding your diet, according to experts.

Gynaecologists and dieticians both agree upon certain things that are harmful to your body, especially during pregnancy, such as drinking and smoking. Drinking and smoking can have an adverse effect on the baby and also the health of the mother. Other than these obvious ones, there are also other advisories that you need to know, especially if it is your first time pregnant. So let's learn some of the most important things you should and should not eat during your pregnancy.

What Should You Eat & Not Eat During Pregnancy

What You Should Eat

• Foods That Have Vitamin A

Vitamin A is perfect for your body, especially when you are pregnant. To maintain a healthy balance of vitamin A in your body, you have to eat foods with a healthy dose of vitamin A. Some of such foods are carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, oranges, and apricots are excellent sources of vitamin A.

• Dark Green Vegetables

Vegetables are nutritious and good for your health always, but when you are pregnant and trying to make sure that you have proper nutrition for yourself and your baby, eating dark green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli is a must. These vegetables help with the development of the baby in your body.

• Eggs

Eggs of various animals are a great source of protein and nutrition for your body, especially when you are pregnant. Eggs contain small amounts of all types of nutrients, making them the ultimate health food for pregnant women. While being high on nutrients, eggs are low on calories as a large egg only consists of 77 calories, making it a light and nutritious food for women.

What You Should Not Eat

• Certain Types Of Fish

Fish has lots of nutrients, but some types of fish are not suitable for you when you are pregnant such as swordfish, tuna, and mackerel. These fishes have high mercury content and can be harmful to the baby. It is advised that pregnant women reduce the consumption of these fishes to a minimum if not stopping it altogether.

• Processed Foods

Consuming processed can lead to an array of health problems for pregnant women, especially diabetes and unexpected weight gain. Consuming these types of foods regularly during your pregnancy can also have long term effects on the health of the child. So, it's in the best interest of pregnant women to not consume processed foods.

• Offal

Offal, also known as organ meat, is also harmful to pregnant women as it can lead to vitamin A and copper toxicity. Organ meat generally is very nutritious and contains many nutrients that are good for pregnant women. However, consuming them regularly or in large amounts is harmful, so pregnant women must consume offal in limited amounts.

Final Thoughts

Pregnancy is a very special experience in a women's life. It is crucial for women and their family members to ensure that women are well-nourished during this time to make sure they and their babies are safe. The information presented in this article regarding pregnancy diet is provided by experts and can be followed by women of all ages. If you or your loved ones are pregnant and want more information about the pregnancy diet, you can visit MediPulse hospital in Jodhpur or learn more on the hospital website.

How efficient is Covaxin against Covid-19 & its different variants?

Ever since the pandemic, India has slowly ranked up to the second spot of most COVID-affected countries globally. In January 2021, when the COVID vaccination drive was announced in India, only two vaccines were initially cleared for vaccinating the masses by the drug regulators in India. The two vaccines were Covishield and Covaxin.

Covaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Institute of Virology (NIV), is the first indigenously developed COVID vaccine in India. The Covaxin COVID-19 vaccine is created using a Whole-Virion Inactivated Viro Cell-derived platform. This inactivated vaccine contains dead viruses not capable of infecting people but still able to instruct your immune system to defend itself against a COVID infection.

With different variants of COVID being introduced regularly, how effective is Covaxin against COVID today? Let’s find out more about this vaccine and its efficacy against the various variants of COVID-19.

Covaxin Efficacy Against COVID & Its Variants

• SARS CoV 2

Originally the COVID-19 pandemic started with the SARS CoV 2 virus, which was a mutation of the existing Coronavirus strain. Bharat Biotech developed Covaxin, and the ICMR shows the efficacy of 81% in preventing a COVID-19 infection.

• Delta Variant

The Delta Variant was the cause for the second wave of COVID-19 in India in 2021. This variant was marked as a variant of concern by the WHO after first being noticed around December 2020 - January 2021. Covaxin, as per current reports, has an efficacy of 65% in preventing a COVID infection from the Delta variant of the virus.

• Omicron Variant

The Omicron variant was first discovered in 2021. As of 2022, the Omicron variant is the leading cause of the number of rising cases in India. Given that this variant of COVID is still relatively new, the vaccine efficacy data against this variant is yet to be released from any verifiable sources for Covaxin. However, being fully vaccinated is necessary to ensure that you don’t succumb to the disease and develop an advanced COVID infection.

Benefits Of Getting Vaccinated With Covaxin

• Low Interval Period

Covaxin currently has one of the lowest interval periods, with only a difference of 28 days between two doses of vaccines in the world. The low interval period makes it easier for people to get fully vaccinated as soon as possible with this vaccine. Covaxin does not fall short of other vaccines when compared in terms of efficacy, so if you want to get through with your vaccination as soon as possible. It would help if you went for Covaxin for your COVID vaccination.

• Effectively Safe For Teens

In 2022, when the government informed about the vaccination of 15-17-year-olds against COVID-19, the only vaccine allowed for vaccinating this age group was Covaxin. The drugs controller general of India also has approved Covaxin to be the only vaccine that can be administered to children over the age of 12 in emergency cases.

• No Serious Side Effects

Covaxin is one of the only COVID vaccines in India that does not have any severe side effects. The only side effects are fever, soreness around the area of vaccination, headache. These symptoms are very short-lived and go away within a day or two of vaccination. So far, as of 2022, there have been no reported cases of severe side effects in a person vaccinated using Covaxin.

Conclusion

Covaxin is the first made in India vaccine used to vaccinate many people around the country. The benefits mentioned in this article are why you should feel safe about being vaccinated with Covaxin. If you are currently in the 15-17 year age group awaiting your Covaxin vaccination, you can visit Medipulse hospital, the best tertiary care hospital in Jodhpur Rajasthan, for more information about Covaxin.

What is the Covovax COVID-19 vaccine & why you should know about it

Covovax is the locally produced variant of Novavax in India, developed by Serum Institute India, which also developed the Covishield vaccine. The Novovax vaccine from which the Covovax vaccine was created was made by a company of the same name. Novavax is an American-based company that works on making vaccines for serious infectious diseases.

The Covovax vaccine has been WHO-approved for emergency use. The Drugs General Controller of India (DGCI) has also approved the emergency use of Covovax in late 2021. The Covovax vaccine currently, as per the clinical trials, has an overall efficacy rate of 89% as per the phase 3 clinical trials. It has been proven that, much like Covishield, the protection of Covovax does not vary according to the variant of the COVID-19 virus.

With an efficacy rate close to and even over 90%, according to some studies, the Covovax vaccine has a considerable advantage over the other vaccines that are currently being used to vaccinate the masses in India. Now that you know what the vaccine is, let’s take a closer look at Covovax and why it is a crucial breakthrough in the fight against COVID-19.

How Is The Covovax Vaccine Developed?

The Covovax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine that was created using the genetic sequence of the original/first strain of the SARS CoV 2 virus that started the COVID-19 pandemic. The Novavax recombinant nanoparticle technology was used to generate an antigen from the ‘S’ protein of the SARS CoV 2 virus. This vaccine is relatively safe, and it contains a protein antigen that can not replicate or cause COVID-19. It only triggers an immune response in your body against the virus to improve your immunity against COVID-19.

What You Should Know About The Covovax Vaccine

• Interval Period

The Covovax vaccine has an interval period of only 21 days between the two doses of the vaccine, making it one of the shortest interval periods of COVID-19 vaccines. However, you should know that the vaccine is currently only allowed for vaccinating 18 years and older population in the countries that have approved Covovax.

• Efficacy

The Covovax vaccine has shown an efficacy rate of 89% against COVID-19. The vaccine has also been reported to be equally effective against the other variants of COVID. The 89% efficacy rate was confirmed by a major study in the UK. In other studies, the vaccine has shown even higher efficacy, with data ranging over 90% of efficacy against COVID-19. The high efficacy rate matched with the low interval period makes it one of the best vaccines for you to go for to protect yourself against COVID-19.

• Side Effects

The Covovax vaccine does not have any severe side effects from the vaccination. The common side effects include tenderness and pain around the vaccination area, fatigue, and headache. These side effects are also short-lived and go away in less than 48 hours of the vaccination. The low side effects and lack of severe side effects make it an ideal vaccine for vaccinating all demographics of the population.

• Cost & Storage

The vaccine is supposed to be launched at a tentative cost of around Rs. 1100 per dose. The official data regarding the price of Covovax has not been revealed yet. It is expected that the official cost of the vaccine will be revealed on its official launch. The storage of this vaccine has to be done in containers with a temperature of around 2-8o Celsius.

Final Thoughts

The Covovax COVID vaccine shows excellent promise for Indians with its short interval period and high efficacy against COVID. The Covovax vaccine is currently only approved for emergency use by the DCGI and WHO. So, if you or your loved ones are suffering from COVID or want to learn more about the Covovax vaccine, you can visit Medipulse hospital, the best tertiary care hospital in Jodhpur, for more information about the Covovax and other COVID treatment procedures.

Everything you should know about COVID-19 vaccines for pregnant women

On January 16, 2021, the COVID-19 vaccination drive in India started with the frontline workers and citizens above 60. Almost a year later, from January 3, 2022, the vaccination drive was extended to include all citizens above 15 years of age. In the 1st year of the COVID-19 vaccination drive, 1.58 billion doses of the COVID vaccine were administered in India, with over 64% of the vaccine-eligible population of India being fully vaccinated against the disease.

One of the key demographic group among the eligible population were pregnant women. Vaccinations for pregnant women were in a grey area for quite some time. For the first six months of the vaccination drive in India, there was no approval for the vaccination of pregnant women in India. Even though the vaccine was theoretically not supposed to cause any harm to women or the fetus, the lack of safety data of the COVID-19 virus was causing a lot of concern among the top medical body of India against vaccinating this demographic. 

The situation has changed since then, but there are still some things that you need to learn about the vaccines before you go for them if you are pregnant. So, let’s know about the facts of COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women in India.

Facts About COVID-19 Vaccination Of Pregnant Women

The reason the COVID vaccine was initially denied to pregnant women was that there was no conclusive data that proved the safety of the vaccine for it to be administered to pregnant women. You should know that medical products, medicines, even dietary products are meticulously tested and approved by various bodies before they are recommended or allowed for the consumption of pregnant women, so, given that the vaccine had no safety data available at that time, it was initially not approved for administering to pregnant women.

However, pregnant women were and are at a greater risk of developing more complicated cases of COVID-19 than women that are not pregnant. This added risk of developing severe cases of COVID is what changed the attention of the health advisory body into allowing pregnant women to get COVID vaccinations. 

This was done because no matter the risks of the vaccine, the COVID-19 infection on a pregnant woman could lead to serious health problems that could prove to be fatal for the mother and the child. In such a scenario, the benefits of the vaccine, which could reduce the possibility of pregnant women developing an advanced COVID infection, outweighed any risk that might be posed by administering the vaccine.

The decision to allow the vaccination of pregnant women was also decided upon by using previous mRNA vaccines as an example, and given that those vaccines were safe for pregnant women, it was concluded that the COVID vaccines could be safe for this demographic as well.

Currently, the government advisory allows pregnant women to receive the COVID vaccine at any point during their pregnancy after being informed and made aware of the risks and benefits that come with taking the vaccine. It is not made mandatory for pregnant women to take the vaccine. However, it is recommended that women, after understanding the benefits of getting the vaccine to, opt for getting the vaccine to reduce the possibility of getting seriously infected by COVID-19.

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women is a choice. If you are currently pregnant and trying to decide on whether you should take the vaccine or wait. You should consult your doctor and take their advice before making a decision. If you are located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, you can visit Medipulse hospital for a complete guide on the benefits and risks involved with taking the COVID vaccine during your pregnancy. 

Proper medical guidance can help you make an informed choice about whether you should or should not get the vaccine. For members of the society that are not pregnant, it is necessary that they get vaccinated to reduce the spread of the virus and help women that choose not to take the vaccine during their pregnancy safe from COVID-19.

How safe is it for you to get the Covishield vaccine? Does it protect you against all variants of COVID-19?

Covishield is a COVID-19 vaccine developed by Oxford University & AstraZeneca, which is a British-Swedish company. In India, the vaccine was developed by the Serum Institute India in partnership with the previously mentioned companies. In January 2021, when the COVID vaccination drive started in India, only two vaccines were initially approved by India’s drug regulators, Covishield and Covaxin.

To stand behind their product, the CEO of the Serum Institute India Mr. Adar Poonawala, took the first dose of the Covishield vaccine on the first day of India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive. Since then, Covishield has become popular among the masses, with people waiting for Covishield to be restocked at vaccination centres instead of getting vaccinated with the other available vaccines, potentially risking their well-being in order to choose Covishield over other vaccines.

However, there are some issues with Covishield, with reports of people losing their lives over the side effects of the vaccine in various parts of the world. As experts are suggesting that vaccines might become less effective given the new mutations/variants of COVID that are presenting themselves regularly, how safe are you from COVID-19 after being fully vaccinated using Covishield? Let’s learn more about the efficacy of Covishield against the various variants of COVID-19.

How Effective Is Covishield Against The Various Variants Of COVID-19?

Even though vaccines are used to make people immune to any disease, the COVID-19 vaccines, none of them are currently able to provide 100% immunity against the virus. One of the main reasons for that is the virus is ever-evolving, and because of that, the vaccine’s efficacy drops when the virus mutates and becomes more resilient and transmissible.

One of the best parts about Covishield is that the efficacy of this vaccine does not vary in terms of its effectiveness against the different variants of COVID-19. As of now, the reported data suggests that Covishield is 63% effective against COVID-19 for the SARS CoV 2 and delta variant of the virus. The efficacy data against the Omicron variant of the virus have not been released yet because it is quite new as of yet, and trials and test results have not been released yet.

According to the WHO, any COVID vaccine with an efficacy rate above 50% can be used to control and limit the spread of the pandemic and eventually end the pandemic overall. The efficacy rate mentioned above for Covishield is only for its ability to make the masses immune to the virus. This means that after getting fully vaccinated with Covishield, you become 63% immune to COVID-19. However, as COVID vaccines are not currently able to provide 100% immunity against the virus, it works by improving your body’s ability to cope with COVID infections and reducing the possibility of you developing advanced COVID infections.

Covishield has an efficacy rate of 85% in reducing the possibility of you developing severe or advanced cases of COVID-19. Currently, the goal of vaccination is to improve the mortality rate of COVID-19 and Covishield works great mainly because the protection of Covishield does not vary according to the different variants of COVID, as per current reports in 2022.

Final Thoughts

According to reports, 88% of all COVID vaccines administered in India have been Covishield. The outpouring of support for this vaccine shows how much it has been able to make the masses feel safer about vaccination. Regardless of its side effects, Covishield remains the most popular COVID vaccine in India. With the booster dose announced in January 2022, there is no surprise that this vaccine will continue to be popular among Indians.

If you are looking for the best COVID vaccination service in Jodhpur Rajasthan, please be sure to visit Medipulse hospital. For more information about their vaccination program, visit the hospital website.

What you need to know about Corbevax the new patent free COVID vaccine

Corbevax was developed by the Texas Children’s Hospital’s Centre for vaccination research and Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, of USA. In India, this vaccine has been licensed to Biological E Limited for development and production. But what is a patent-free vaccine?

A patent-free vaccine means that the production and development of this vaccine does not require manufacturers to pay a hefty patent fee to the original developers, which in turn keeps the cost of the vaccine down, making it more affordable for people in all sections of society.

On average, currently, two doses of Corbevax can cost around $5, which translates to around 400 Rupees. If you were to buy and get any other vaccine available in India, it would cost you over Rs 1,000 even for a single dose in some cases. So, the low manufacturing and selling cost of Corbevax can be helpful in reducing the vaccination availability gap between the rich and poor sections of society.

Corbevax has many more great features and benefits that makes it a great vaccine in the world’s fight against COVID-19, so let’s take a detailed look at Corbevax and why it might be the key to ending the pandemic in the future.

How Does The Corbevax Vaccine Work?

The Corbevax vaccine is a protein subunit vaccine that uses a spike protein from the SARS CoV 2 virus, which can not harm you in any way. It is used to trigger an immune response in your body that will help you protect yourself against the virus. Corbevax is very safe, and like other vaccines, it also requires two doses to complete the vaccination process.

Why Is Corbevax Important?

Corbevax was developed by scientists that had previously created a vaccine for the SARS virus. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck with the SARS CoV 2 virus, these scientists were able to easily alter their vaccine to make it into a COVID-19 vaccine without much funding. They intentionally chose to use the protein subunit method to create the vaccine because it is easy to manufacture this vaccine, and it is easy to scale up the production of this vaccine as well at a low cost.

This is why Corbevax is important. It uses technology that supports easy scaling up to make sure that the vaccine can be produced easily and in large numbers to meet the needs of the huge population around the world. The patent-free vaccine also makes the cost of production and selling this vaccine quite low in comparison to other vaccines available in the market.

Did you know that the overall cost of production or the budget for the production of the major vaccines available in the market today, such as Covishield, crossed billions of dollars of development that were offered by governments and huge private companies around the world. Corbevax was developed on a budget of 7 million dollars, most of which came from private benefactors, the largest being a 1 million dollar donation grant from Tito’s Vodka. To make a fully functioning vaccine that has an efficacy rate of over 90% in protection against COVID-19, it sure is a gamechanger in the world of COVID-19 vaccines and in our fight against COVID.

Final Thoughts

Currently, Corbevax has been cleared for emergency use in India by the DGCI. It is also cleared for emergency use by the WHO. Vaccines such as Corbevax, when cleared for public vaccination in India, can be a real gamechanger in providing quality vaccination at very affordable prices to a major section of society. So, if you want to learn more about Corbevax its current status of approval from the government, be sure to visit, Medipulse hospital or go to their official website for more information on their COVID vaccination program.

How can 60+ year population in India register for the COVID booster dose vaccine?

The COVID Booster Dose was announced on December 27, 2021. With the rising number of COVID cases and the fear of the impending third wave of COVID, the government announced the start of booster dose vaccination in India. The booster dose of the COVID vaccine has already been introduced in many foreign countries where mostly anyone above the age of 15-16 is eligible for the booster dose vaccine.

Given the threat of the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, and the rising cases of COVID in India, the government has started the COVID booster dose vaccinations in India. The booster dose is a precautionary dose of the vaccine that helps you improve your body’s ability to fight the virus. The booster dose is expected to reduce the possibility of patients developing a serious/advanced COVID infection that could be fatal.

Currently, in India, any person above the age of 60 is eligible for getting the COVID booster dose. Healthcare and frontline workers are also eligible for getting the booster vaccine. But, how do you register to get the jab? Here’s all that you need to know regarding the registration process for getting the COVID booster dose.

What Are The Eligibility Requirements For Getting The COVID Booster Dose Vaccine?

Before you can register for the COVID booster dose, the government has some eligibility criteria in place that you need to fulfil. Here is a full list of the eligibility requirements you need to clear before registering for the COVID booster dose.

• The individual must be registered healthcare, social, or frontline worker. OR

• The individual must be a citizen of India over the age of 60. Preference is given to people over the age of 60 who suffer from any comorbidity.

• The individual must be fully vaccinated before registering for the booster dose.

• The individual must have completed their full vaccination at least 9 months before the date of COVID booster dose vaccination.

• The individual must sign up and get the same vaccine for the booster dose that they got for their first two vaccine doses.

How To Register/Sign Up For The COVID Booster Dose Vaccine?

There are two ways you can go for the COVID booster dose vaccine once you are eligible. The first way is to register on the CoWin platform to get your booster dose vaccine on a scheduled date and time. The platform will assign the closest vaccination centre to your location where you can get the vaccine and skip the queue and crowd that is generally present at vaccination centres. You will only need to carry your mobile phone with your Aadhar registered mobile number on it, and a government ID proof to get your COVID booster dose vaccination.

The second method for you would be to visit the nearest vaccination centres and go for a walk-in vaccination. All vaccination centres do not accept walk-in applicants, so you must learn beforehand if your home centre allows walk-in vaccination or not. In case you go for a walk-in vaccination program, you will need to carry your previous vaccination slip along with a government ID proof, and your Aadhar linked mobile number inserted in your mobile phone.

These are two available options currently for registering to get the COVID booster dose vaccine.

Conclusion

The COVID booster dose is crucial for you to keep you safe from the virus. With new variants of COVID coming to view regularly, it is essential for you to keep updating your immune system against the ever-changing threat to keep yourself and the people around you safe. The COVID booster dose will soon be available for the other age groups as well, so if you are located in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, you can visit MediPulse hospital to get your COVID booster dose vaccination. For more information about the immunisation program, visit the hospital website.