Who Should Get The COVID-19 Vaccination in Bangladesh ?

 Who Should Get The COVID-19 Vaccination in Bangladesh ?

Dr. Ashis Kumar Ghosh
Pediatric Oncologist
National Institute of Cancer Research and Hospital.

It is important that every individual talk to their health care provider about their concerns regarding the vaccine. This can’t be emphasized enough. Individual risk varies from person to person.

Who Should Get The COVID-19 Vaccination?

It is important that every individual talk to their health care provider about their concerns regarding the vaccine. This can’t be emphasized enough. Individual risk varies from person to person.

Who should be vaccinated first?

While vaccine supplies are limited, it is recommended that priority be given to health workers at high risk of exposure and older people, including those aged 65 or older.

Countries can refer to the WHO Prioritization Roadmap and the WHO Values Framework as guidance for their prioritization of target groups

Who else can take the vaccine?

Vaccination is recommended for persons with comorbidities that have been identified as increasing the risk of severe COVID-19, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease and diabetes. 

Although further studies are required for persons living with HIV or auto-immune conditions or who are immunocompromised, people in this category who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated after receiving information and counselling. 

Vaccination can be offered to people who have had COVID-19 in the past. But individuals may wish to defer their own COVID-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection, to allow others who may need the vaccine more urgently to go first.

Vaccination can be offered to breastfeeding women if they are part of a group prioritized for vaccination. WHO does not recommend discontinuation of breastfeeding after vaccination. 

Should pregnant or Breastfeeding women be vaccinated?

While pregnancy puts women at higher risk of severe COVID-19, very little data are available to assess vaccine safety in pregnancy. 

Pregnant women may receive the vaccine if the benefit of vaccinating a pregnant woman outweighs the potential vaccine risks. 

For this reason, pregnant women at high risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 (e.g. health workers) or who have comorbidities which add to their risk of severe disease, may be vaccinated in consultation with their health care provider.

Who is the vaccine not recommended for?

People with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take it.

The vaccine is not recommended for persons younger than 18 years of age pending the results of further studies.

Are Those With Epilepsy At Higher Risk Of Side Effects?

There is no evidence that persons with epilepsy are at higher risk of side effects after vaccination. As with any vaccine, some persons may develop a fever which could lower their seizure threshold for the short term, and rarely could result in a break-through seizure. There is no evidence that this vaccination results in worsening of the epilepsy, or brain injury.

Patients With Seizures Triggered By Fever Will Get COVID Vaccine?

Elevated temperature (fever) is a common side effect after getting a vaccine. Fevers have been reported as a side effect after getting the COVID vaccine, because the immune system is reacting to create immunity in the body. Some people with epilepsy have seizures that are triggered by fever. However, the available data about the risks of COVID and the safety of the COVID vaccines still support vaccination. If you or your loved one have seizures triggered by fever, please talk to your health care provider about:

1. The specific benefits and risks of the COVID vaccine for you or your loved one
2. Recommendations about where you or your loved one receive the vaccine, such as a location where medical staff are available
3. A Seizure Action Plan that includes consideration of rescue therapies