Editor,
On 16 Jan 2021, India started Vaccinating health workers and individuals older than 45 years with Covid 19 vaccine- Covishield. This Covishield vaccine is the Viral Vector-Based Vaccine where an adenovirus is used with SARS Cov 2 Spike(S) glycoprotein coating to produce Covid 19 vaccine.
Viral vector-based vaccines differ from most conventional vaccines in that they don’t actually contain antigens, but rather use the body’s own cells to produce them. They do this by using a modified virus (the vector) to deliver genetic code for antigen, in the case of COVID-19 spike proteins found on the surface of the virus, into human cells. By injecting cells and instructing them to make large amounts of antigen, which then trigger an immune response, the vaccine mimics what happens during natural infection with certain pathogens – especially viruses. This has the advantage of triggering a strong cellular immune response by T cells as well the production of antibodies by B cells.
The other types of vaccine are whole virus vaccines which use a weakened or deactivated form of the pathogen that causes a disease to trigger protective immunity to it. There are two types of whole virus vaccines. Live attenuated vaccines use a weakened form of the virus, which can still grow and replicate, but does not cause illness. Inactivated vaccines contain viruses whose genetic material has been destroyed by heat, chemicals, or radiation so they cannot infect cells and replicate, but can still trigger an immune response.
The utility of vaccine campaigns to control the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SAR-CoV 2) pandemic is not merely dependent on vaccine efficacy and safety. Vaccine acceptance among the general public will have a decisive role in the successful control of the pandemic. However, vaccine hesitancy, which is a common phenomenon globally is becoming a major health concern. The most common reasons behind the refusal of vaccine acceptance and negative attitude towards Covid 19 vaccine includes perceived risks, social factors, certain religious beliefs, lack of knowledge and awareness, and the negative social media activity about vaccination.
While the global efforts to mitigate the effect of the pandemic, and to reduce its health and socio-economic impact rely to a large extent on preventive measures, now we have an emerging way out, in which science has given us a gift that will save our lives, the Covid 19 Vaccine. Trust Science, get the vaccine. Together we can overcome the Covid 19 pandemic.
Yours etc.,
Dr Omarlin Kyndiah
Associate Professor
& HoD Biochemistry,
St. Edmund’s College
Time to harness all resources
Editor,
The subject matter of this letter is definitely a burning issue of the day. The problem is undoubtedly grave but at the same time, to find a solution to the problem is a crying need. I appeal to the concerned authorities and the government to take productive measures to stop our state from becoming a hotspot of the second wave of covid 19. May I point out that lockdown or containment is not the only solution to the problem. Vigilance at the check gate at Umling was loosened and it resulted in people moving in and out of the state with ease. This was not the case during the first wave of the same disease.
Now with the second wave being more serious and resulting in innumerable fatalities in the state, why are the entrants not sent to Covid Care Centres, as was being done earlier until the RT-PCR report is declared? Why are they allowed to go home? Are they really quarantined at home? Who is keeping a check? The authorities did not seek the help of the Dorbar Shnong in this matter. What if these entrants do not have secluded rooms with washrooms? What if the report declared is positive? Are they not becoming spreaders? I appeal to the authorities to kindly wake up and not blame the general public for violating lockdown rules. Are there policemen on the roads? Who is keeping a check on people’s movement? I see no one! We are free to move. Why are the curfew rules not made more stringent with police patrolling especially at night?
I also want to point out that if Tuberculosis could have had exclusive hospitals then why not for Covid? I believe the doctors and nurses can treat patients more efficiently in a Covid dedicated hospital.
Today, all hospitals have Covid patients and checking or testing is being done at entry points to the hospital. Is anyone sure that the patients or attendants being tested there are Covid negative? If so, how? They can become carriers and spread to many more over there, can’t they?
Is the Government, ready to face the peak in our State? If so, how? I understand already most hospitals here are full of Covid patients. Is the Government actually waiting to come to the limelight like Maharashtra, Karnataka or Delhi? Wake up authorities! Make arrangements soon. It is the need of the hour. Please use community halls and other institutions lying vacant as Covid treatment centres and save lives.
The need of the hour is to come together as one and overcome the challenge of saving Meghalayans. Dear Government, I appeal to you to kindly look into the matter and act urgently rather than taking decisions based on panic reactions at the last minute.
Yours etc.,
Sangeeta Das,
Via email
Frequent unscheduled load shedding
Editor,
Frequent unscheduled load shedding has been experienced in the past few months. This abrupt action on the part of the concerned Department has badly affected students and teachers who are dependent on the internet Wi-Fi for online classes and exams and also individuals who are working from home because of the lockdown. We have been under tremendous stress and obligations to complete our syllabus on time amidst the pandemic and this sudden load shedding has, in fact, added extra burden and stress on us. Many students are missing classes while teachers are unable to proceed with the scheduled classes due to unexpected power cut in their localities. When the government is locking up everyone at home, certain basic necessities such as electricity should be provided uninterrupted at least during working hours. This is a humble request from netizens to the Government to come up with appropriate measures for the welfare of students, teachers and everyone concerned.
Yours etc.,
Dr Thanggoulen Kipgen,
Via email
Unfair editorial
Editor,
Your editorial ‘PM image dented’ (ST May 15, 2021) appears to be slightly harsh and also mistimed. At present one will find social media full of such accusations. People can ignore and overlook them but your assessment in the editorial column can make an indelible impression in the minds of lakhs of your readers. Believe me, I have no political affiliation but once a person is chosen by the people democratically to be our PM, I feel, we are duty-bound to integrate with him, particularly at this hour of national crisis. We should not, by any means, give anti-social elements a chance to exploit the situation.
I am not here to negate your assessment about Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, which I believe time will tell. At this time moment, I strongly feel that he is doing all he can to ward off any likely catastrophe. Let’s pray for his success in his endeavour and strengthen his hand.
Yours etc.,
Krishna Chettri
Shillong- 2