The human world has just gone almost upside down by the recent
Corona pandemic. There was a significant respite from Coronavirus, with a steady decline in cases in the last few months of 2020. But the sudden spike of Coronavirus cases with rapid mutations of the virus has again put us on our toes. Life has again come to a standstill with an expeditious number of cases, challenged medical facilities, fresh lockdowns, and vaccination hesitancy. A novel strain of Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is again back with a loud bang forcing us to again loom in fear and uncertainty.
Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect our families, communities, and ourselves against COVID-19. Evidence indicates that vaccines are effective at preventing serious outcomes, such as severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19.rnMost COVID-19 vaccines require 2 doses to be fully vaccinated. While current evidence shows good effectiveness after 1 dose, a second dose is essential for longer-lasting and optimal protection.
Where you can get vaccinated in Canada: rnAlberta, Columbia, Manitoba, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Yukon.rnGetting an appointment visit your provincial or territorial website to find out.
Who is eligible: COVID-19 vaccines approved for use in Canada are free. They're available to priority populations first. They'll then be available to everyone who is recommended to get the vaccine by federal, provincial, and territorial public health authorities.rnThis applies to everyone in Canada, including those who aren't citizens and who are over the: *age of 12 for the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinern*age of 18 for the Moderna vaccinern*age of 18 for the AstraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccinernAlso, this vaccine is currently recommended by Janssen (Johnson & Johnson) for the age of 18 and the National Advisory Committee on Immunization for those age 30 and above.
Consult with your doctor or health care provider before getting vaccinated:
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, during chemotherapy have an autoimmune condition, have a severe allergy to an ingredient in the COVID-19 vaccine have experienced mild to moderate immediate allergic reactions after a previous dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine, are experiencing any symptoms of COVID-19, have a bleeding disorder.
Having safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines available will be an important tool to help with the long-term management of COVID-19. Health Canada is prioritizing the review of all COVID-19 drugs and vaccines. Right now, there are more than 150 potential COVID-19 vaccines at different stages of development around the world. For detailed information on authorized vaccines, including how they work, ingredients and possible side effects contact your provincial or territorial health authority.
Personal preventive practices:
Whenever you move out, Wear a face mask. While wearing and removing masks, you must take double care. You must not touch the middle portion by hand. Always hold the string for wearing and removing.rnDon’t place your mask carelessly here or there, after use. Always take it to your bathroom if washable and wash it with soap or detergent immediately. If it is a one-time use mask, you must wash it in the same manner and put it in a plastic bag and then to the garbage bag. You can also cut the same into one or two pieces, as this will prevent somebody from using the same again. After removing the mask, you must wash your hands. Never allow your hands to touch vulnerable parts of your body such as the nose, eyes, and mouth. rnAlways take a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you; this will be of great help to you when you are on the move, sanitize your hands more often. When you are at home, you can use soap.rnAvoid close contacts with others, forget about the handshake greeting. Instead, you can just fold your hands and nod your head. This is the best form of greeting.rnMaintain individual distance; at least three feet away from another person. Avoid people who appear sick. It's sensible to stay away from crowded places, in any case, for these initial periods.rnWhen you reach your home, you must enter inside only after washing your feet. Straight away, you must have your bath.rnIt's always good to take warm foods and drinks. Take a healthy diet and protein-rich food, which will make your resistance level up and will enhance the overall immunity power.rnAnd the last stop smoking, avoid alcohol and do physical exercises regularly, which will help your body's metabolism.rnGet in touch with a practicing physician if you feel something wrong with your body. Never attempt to do self-medication.
Finally, we must learn the lesson taught by this Novel Corona Virus that human life is so fragile, and it can collapse even by a minute virus. Stay safe, stay healthy, and happy.