COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs: Should Women Avoid COVID Vaccine During Periods? How To Use A Pulse Oximeter?

New Delhi: “In this hour of crisis, everyone is understanding the importance of vaccines. So, I urge you to not fall for any rumors about the vaccines. You must all know by now that the Government of India has sent vaccines to states free of cost to inoculate those above 45. Now from May 1, vaccines will be available for all above the age of 18”, said PM Modi in the 76th edition of his monthly radio address “Mann Ki Baat“. Ahead of the third phase of India’s coronavirus vaccination drive set to begin on May 1, numerous myths and rumours have started doing the rounds on the internet. To ensure more and more people take the jab and eliminate vaccine hesitancy, the government and experts are dispelling some myths.

Also Read: COVID Vaccination: Dos And Don’ts To Remember As Vaccines Rollout For All Adults From May 1

Should women not take the COVID vaccine before and after their periods?

A viral post being circulated on social media claims that women should not take the vaccine five days before and after their periods as their immunity is very less during that time. Clearing the air around the claim, the government on Saturday (April 24) appealed to people to not fall for rumours and urged all above 18 to get vaccinated starting May 1. Quashing the rumour, the government through PIB’s fact check handle said, “#Fake post circulating on social media claims that women should not take #COVID19Vaccine 5 days before and after their menstrual cycle. Don’t fall for rumours! All people above 18 should get vaccinated after May 1.”

Also Read: No Serious Side-Effect Attached To COVID-19 Vaccines: Director-General Of Health Services

Has WHO approved the home remedy against COVID-19?

Another viral post claims that a student of a Puducherry University has found a home remedy against the COVID-19 and has also got approval from the World Health Organisation. The claimed home remedy involves the concoction of black pepper, ginger and honey. Refuting the claim, the government asked people to trust only official channels of communication.

Also Read: Post-Vaccination Breakthrough COVID-19 Infection Rate Very Small In India: Health Ministry

Can a person donate plasma after vaccination?

In dos and don’ts on plasma donation, the government has clearly specified that people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine will not be able to donate plasma for 15 days from the date of the second dose. Even after that, antibody titers will be measured and there is a possibility that the donor gets rejected if he/she lacks adequate antibodies in the blood.

Also, an individual should donate plasma only after 14 days of a COVID-19 positive report in case of asymptomatic infection and after 14 days of symptom resolution if an individual is symptomatic.

Also Read: Four Steps To Fight COVID Effectively Explained By AIIMS Chief Dr Randeep Guleria

How to use a pulse oximeter?

Pulse oximeter, a tiny machine that measures the oxygen saturation level of the blood has become crucial in the fight against COVID-19. According to the government, a COVID-19 patient should contact the doctor if oxygen saturation levels dip below 92 per cent. But how to check the oxygen level? In an eight-step guide, the government explained how to use a pulse oximeter.

1. Remove any nail polish, false nails and warm your hands if cold.
2. Rest for at least five minutes before taking your measurement.
3. Rest your hand on your chest at heart level and hold still.
4. Switch on the oximeter and place it on your middle or index finger.
5. The reading takes time to steady; keep the oximeter in place for at least a minute or longer if the reading is not stable.
6. Record the highest result once it has not changed for five seconds.
7. Identify each reading carefully.
8. Start recording from baseline and record three times a day at the same time. Take extra measures if you feel a change in your health.

The government has advised contacting COVID helpline 1075 when feeling seriously ill; unable to complete short sentences, while resting due to breathlessness; when oxygen levels dip to 92 per cent and below.

Also Read: Coronavirus Outbreak Explained: What Is A Pulse Oximeter And Why Is It Becoming A Tool Against COVID-19?

NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.