Padma Shri Ravi Kannan gets Covishield Vaccine; urges people to remain cautious

The world’s largest vaccination drive against Coronavirus is underway in India. On January 16, the drive was kickstarted by the prime minister of India, Narendra Modi. In the first phase, healthcare workers like doctors, nurses, technicians and other frontline warriors associated with the medical department, like ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers are getting inoculated all across the country.

In Cachar district, 11,710 such individuals have been listed to get the jab. In India, Covishield and Covaxin doses are administered. In Cachar, the administration informed that only Serum Institute’s Covishield vaccines will be inoculated in the district.

The attendance has been abysmal so far in the district. In some days, it dropped to as low as 10%. Principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital, Dr. Babul Bezbaruah volunteered to get the jab on the very first day. Padma Shri, Dr. Ravi Kannan also wanted to do the same, but his name did not appear in the list published on the Co-Win app which is being followed by the vaccinators.

Yesterday, January 25, 2021, Dr. Kannan got shortlisted and got the 0.5 ml dose. At Silchar Medical College and Hospital, he got the vaccine and said he will return after 28 days to get the second shot.

“I urge the people to volunteer and be a part of this vaccination drive. This is a historical moment and we must be a part of it,” said Padma Shri Dr. Ravi Kannan. He informed that many of his colleagues have already got the dose and, “they have not witnessed any side-effects so far.”

Doctor Kannan, also known as Messiah for the people suffering from Cancer in the northeastern region, is of the view that the doses should not be considered as instant immunity. “There will be a second dose after four weeks, 14 days after the second dose, there will be a test to diagnose the level of antibody. Overall, it will take at least 90 days for us to understand the impact of this vaccine. That is why there is no room for complacency and we must follow the protocols, stay cautious,” asserted Kannan.

He said, “Hyegenic and cautious lifestyle is the biggest vaccine for me at this stage.”

The government of India has also rolled out a campaign “Dawai Bhi, Kadhai Bhi” to urge people of the country to remain cautious despite the rollout of vaccine.