Kohima: The Government of Nagaland Friday issued an awareness notification for the people of the state on the second wave of COVID-19 which is widely spread in some parts of the country.
A release issued by the Nagaland Directorate of Health and Family Welfare Friday said that the country is seeing an exponential rise in COVID-19 cases and deaths overwhelming the health system even in metros with maximum resources and capacity.
The second wave of COVID-19 has come as a result of laxity in adherence to wearing masks, physical distancing and hand hygiene coupled with the relaxation of SOPs and numerous social, religious or political gatherings.
The new variants of SARS-COV-2 are also linked with more transmissibility. COVID-19 vaccines will be critical for the citizens of the state to reduce mortality and ensure continuity of essential services. The high-risk groups (45 years and above) need to be protected at the earliest through vaccines and COVID -19 appropriate behaviours.
COVID-19 vaccines have been found to be very effective in preventing severe disease, hospitalization and deaths. This remains the main objective of the vaccine. The death rate by COVID-19 for 45 years and above remains very high at 2.6 % in the state.
The long-term effects of COVID-19 disease are also still under evaluation. These people need to be protected at the earliest. COVID-19 vaccines offer us the safest way out of the pandemic along with COVID-19 appropriate behaviours (wear a mask, physical distancing and hand washing).
COVID-19 vaccines have gone through rigorous scientific standards for safety, effectiveness, and manufacturing quality. This vaccine has proven to be as safe as any other injectable drugs or vaccine currently in use. The vaccines available in India use only established technology and no long-term side effects are expected. One should have two doses 6 to 8 weeks apart. Vaccines do not provide instant protection.
COVID-19 vaccination centers are in all districts at District Hospitals, CHCs, PHCs and Health and wellness centers where you can avail services for free. You can also get the vaccine from selected private hospitals at a minimal cost. Vaccination centers are being scaled up every 15 days and will also be available in selected workplaces or prominent locations in the community. For updated information, you can call the state helpline 1800-345-0019 or contact the district CMO office.
The vaccine will protect you against severe disease, hospitalizations or death but you may still transmit the virus to others. One needs to wear a mask and maintain physical distancing even after vaccination for his/her own safety and those around him/her. Moreover, the full protection of the vaccine will be seen only two weeks after the second dose, the release said.
