YuWaah organises ‘Gujarat Vaccine Varta with Young Digital Volunteers’ to educate people with the right knowledge about COVID-19 vaccine. UNICEF – YuWaah organised the ‘Gujarat Vaccine Varta with Young Digital Volunteers’ in collaboration with Centre for
Communication of Child Rights, Pandit Deendayal Energy University , the Gujarat Youth Forum and Elixir Foundation today.
During the programme, eminent medical experts interacted with Young Digital Volunteers in Gujarat and answered crowd sourced questions.
These experts included Dr. Narayan Gaonkar, Health Specialist, UNICEF, Dr. Mona Desai, National Chairperson, Indian Medical Association- Women Doctor’s Wing, Dr. Nishchal Bhatt, Chairperson, Adolescent Health Academy, Ahmedabad; Child Specialist and Teenagers’ Health Consultant , Dr. Shwetal Bhatt, Associate Professor, Paediatrics, Baroda Medical College and Dr. Parul Vadgama, Head of Department, Respiratory Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat.
Dr. Narayan Gaonkar assured people that the vaccine is absolutely safe and it does not decrease the immunity. He said, “ It is a myth that vaccine decreases immunity. Rather, it stimulates the immune system.” Vaccine reduces the chances of contracting COVID-19.However, people must follow all COVID-19 protocols even after taking the vaccine. People might get slight fever, soreness at the site of injection, body ache etc., but these can cured with a normal paracetamol.
Talking about the recent messages that have been circulating on social media regarding menstruation and the vaccine, Dr. Mona Desai urged everyone to stay away from such misleading messages. ‘The COVID-19 vaccine and the menstrual cycle are no where related to each other. Vaccines do not affect the hormonal balance in the body. It is absolutely safe for menstruating women to take the vaccine”, she said.
Talking in the context of numerous such messages regarding various topics related to COVID-19, she appealed people to follow only official guidelines and messages issued by the government and its associated medical bodies from time to time.
Talking about patients who have undergone angioplasty, Dr. Parul Vadgama said, “ Patients with diabetes , kidney ailments , hypertension etc can take the vaccine. It is absolutely safe for them.”
During the programme, the medical experts answered questions and queries from young people and also helped bust myths and misconceptions associated with the Covid-vaccination.
Everyone from the panel said that it is important for the youth of India and Gujarat to spread awareness about COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and vaccination. They should encourage people to get vaccinated with both the doses.
They urged everyone who is eligible to take the vaccine to get registered on the CoWin portal, UMANG or Aarogya Setu and also help create awareness about covid appropriate behaviors such as wearing a mask while stepping out, practicing social distancing, washing hands with soap and water or using a sanitizer.
A large number of people across all age groups attended the virtual event. The event was supported by Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Gujarat; National Health Mission; and the National Service Scheme (NSS).
This is a UNICEF – YuWaah advocacy and knowledge initiative and planned as a series of interactions between stakeholders and young people in Gujarat on a range of issues. The first in the series is focused on phase 3 of the Covid Vaccination Campaign where vaccination has opened up for 18+ population.
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