As the government plans to open up
vaccination for senior citizens and those above 45 with co-morbidities from
Monday, TNIE speaks to doctors about who should, and should not take the
vaccine.
Published: 27th
February 2021 11:32 AM | Last Updated: 27th
February 2021 11:32 AM | A+A A-
By Sowmya Mani
Express News Service
TIRUCHY: Ever since the advent of COVID, it
was noticed that people with co-morbidities were gravely affected by the virus.
Therefore, when the COVID vaccination began, experts believed that people with
co-morbidities must be prioritized for vaccination. As the government plans to
open up vaccination for senior citizens and those above 45 with co-morbidities
from Monday, TNIE speaks to doctors about who should, and should not take the
vaccine.
Heart patients, diabetic people, cancer
patients, people with hypertension have been categories as high risk for COVID.
Cancer Patients
Several cancer patients have doubts in their
minds about whether they can take the vaccine or not.
Dr Kirushnakumar, Head-oncology, Meenakshi
Mission Hospital and Research Centre, said that most cancer patients can take
the vaccine.
“Cancer survivors, those who are disease free
can take the vaccine. For patients who are undergoing treatment currently,
those on radiotherapy can take the vaccine. Patients who are taking
chemotherapy, should not take the vaccine immediately. Chemotherapy decreases
immunity by causing a drop in white blood cells (WBCs). In such a situation, we
don’t know if antibodies will develop. They should wait for four weeks after
chemotherapy at least, and must consult their treating doctors,”
The National comprehensive cancer Network
(NCCN) guidelines say that those with active cancer, who are yet to take
treatment, can take the vaccine.
“Cancer is not a problem for the vaccine. In
radiotherapy and medical oncology, there is no contraindication for taking the
vaccine. People who have had a surgery need not take the vaccine immediately.
They should wait for two weeks atleast. Those with hematological malignancies
should wait for three months. If someone is under treatment, it’s better to
consult their doctor,” said Dr Ratna Devi, Radiation Oncologist, Apollo Cancer
Centre.
Cardiac Patients
Most cardiac patients can take the vaccine,
say doctors. Those who had heart attacks in the past need to be vaccinated.
“Heart patients, who are taking blood
thinners can take the vaccine. This includes those on anti-platelet drugs as
well as anti-coagulants. It’s better if they take covishield,” said Dr
Senthilkumar Nallusamy, Chief Cardiologist, Rana Hospital, Tiruchy.
People who had heart attack in the past week
should not take the vaccine immediately, advise doctors.
“Only patients who had a heart attack within
the last week should not take the vaccine. They must wait for a while, and
consult their doctor. Side effects of the vaccine are minuscule and I would
advise everyone to take the vaccine,” said Dr Refai Showkathali, Senior
Consultant Interventional Cardiologist, Apollo Hospital.
Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cholesterol
“Those with cholesterol, Blood pressure and
diabetes can take the vaccine. Only people who have medication for monoclonal
antibodies must avoid the vaccine. Anyone who had a fever or allergy should
wait for 4-6 weeks before taking the vaccine,” Dr Selvamani, Senior Consultant,
Cardiology, Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre.
Any patient with uncontrolled Blood pressure
should avoid taking the vaccine.
Who can take the vaccine
• Cancer survivors (who are disease free)
• Cancer patients undergoing radiation
• People taking blood thinners
• People having BP, Diabetes, Cholesterol
Who should not take the vaccine immediately
• Anyone who had a heart attack in the past
week
• Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
• Those with uncontrolled Blood Pressure
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