바카라My wife and daughters cried, hid my car keys to stop me from going to the hospital for the vaccine trials.바카라
Santosh Krishna More, 50, CSR Consultant, Pune
Santosh Krishna More is among the first 10 Indians to get two doses for Phase II clinical trials of the Oxford University-AstraZeneca vaccine, Covishield. The 50-year-old CSR consultant got the first shot on August 26 in Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Hospital, Pune, and the second on September 29바카라almost a month apart. But he is unaware what the vials contained as it is not disclosed during clinical trials whether a vaccine or a placebo was administered. 바카라They will after six months,바카라 More says, adding that each volunteer has signed a contract with the Serum Institute of India, licensed to conduct the Covishield trials in the country.
It wasn바카라t easy for him to become a vaccine volunteer, especially given the resistance from his wife and two daughters, aged 17 and 19. 바카라My wife cried and pleaded. If something happens to me, who will look after our two daughters?바카라 he says, recalling how she hid the car keys when he got ready on the morning of August 26 to go to the hospital for the first shot. 바카라I searched for the keys, thought I misplaced them and took the scooter key. When I was about to go, my daughter came out with the keys and wished me with tears in her eyes.바카라 He too was in tears on the way to the hospital. 바카라I was full of thoughts. What if I die? I told myself it is still not a small achievement if I become a Covid martyr.바카라
ALSO READ:
The strength came from a tragedy in the family. More was moved when he learned that his 48-year-old maternal uncle died of COVID-19 in Mumbai. 바카라I decided I will do something for society. I thought someone has to come forward for this cause,바카라 says the man who had raised funds and donated to government hospitals, ambulance drivers and paramedics during the lockdown and after.
More, who runs marathons for leisure, drove back home comfortably after the first injection. 바카라The doctors advised me rest for 24 hours, but I felt a little tired and rested for 48. Thereafter I ran 5 km and felt fine,바카라 he says, still taking all precautions like wearing a mask, carrying a sanitiser bottle and social distancing. A month ago, he ran a 50-km ultra-marathon, finishing in five hours and five minutes.
바카라I believe my participation in the vaccine trials will build confidence among the common people.바카라
Prof Dr M.V. Padma Srivastava, 56, Director, NIMHANS
As head of neurology at AIIMS, Delhi, Dr M.V. Padma Srivastava, is the first volunteer in the premier medical institute to get the first dose on November 27 for Phase III clinical trials of Covaxin, the vaccine developed by the ICMR and Bharat Biotech. Between the first shot and the second on December 23, life has changed for the 56-year-old Padmashri awardee바카라like she is now director of the National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS). The one constant, however, is her determination바카라that someone has to come forward to instill confidence in others. 바카라Who could be better than a doctor or a person with a background in science? It will build trust among people for the vaccine,바카라 says the professor whose family supported her wholeheartedly.
Dr Srivastava wasn바카라t aware of the safety or efficacy of the Phase II trials when she took the first shot. She didn바카라t know if it was the vaccine or a placebo, but didn바카라t fret. 바카라We are racing against time. The sooner we get a vaccine, the better. People like us need to cooperate,바카라 she says. She didn바카라t feel any discomfort after the two doses. She knows vaccines trigger certain side-effects, but are perfectly safe. 바카라It is important to generate data from the trials. Without data, we cannot move ahead,바카라 she says. Reports state that AIIMS is facing shortage of volunteers for the Covaxin trials. Dr Srivastava attributes the low turnout to absence of answers to several questions. 바카라All predictions on COVID-19 have gone wrong. We are unable to address people바카라s concerns. We are still learning. We don바카라t know how long this inoculation will provide immunity. The answers lie in the data.바카라
ALSO READ:
바카라My 11-year-old daughter was happy that I volunteered in a vaccine trial for humanity.바카라
Anil Hebbar Koni, 56, Entrepreneur, Mumbai
Anil Hebbar Koni saw the worst of the pandemic during the lockdown바카라the poor, jobless people in the slums of Mumbai. The 56-year-old distributed ration to those households, ran six soup kitchens, gave migrant labourers money to help them go to their hometowns and villages. 바카라I lost a few friends and relatives to the coronavirus. One of them was close to me. That got me thinking, if we don바카라t get a vaccine, then people will keep dying,바카라 says Koni, who sells medical simulators. The cloud cleared when a friend rang him up from Pune and told him about the vaccine clinical trials at Mumbai바카라s King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital. 바카라He said the hospital was short of volunteers. I contacted KEM and went for a health check on October 6. I came to know that they were looking for 100 volunteers, but had only 55 then.바카라
On October 7, the hospital informed him that his first shot was scheduled the next day. 바카라I took the second dose on November 6. I felt a little tired for three-four days. I was fine after the second jab,바카라 says Koni, who didn바카라t let his family know what he was up to till the first shot. On October 9, he told his wife바카라dean, School of Development Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences바카라and all hell broke loose. 바카라She was angry. But my 11-year-daughter encouraged me, saying I did a good thing.바카라 Koni바카라s 84-year-old mother was happy too, though she has no clue what clinical trials mean. 바카라She thought I got a vaccine. Whether vaccinated or not, I바카라m still taking all precautions. I care for my family and my old mom.바카라 After the first dose, he spread the word around on his social network. 바카라That clicked and the hospital got 100 volunteers in two days.바카라
바카라My husband and I got vaccine doses, not a placebo, because we have antibodies now.바카라
Madhura Mandar Phatak, 42, Wellness expert, Pune
It was one hell of a blood test that gave so much joy to Madhura and her husband like no other before in their life. They have developed antibodies against the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19. How? Well, they volunteered for the Phase III clinical trials of Coveshield, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, and got the first dose on October 30 and the second on November 28 at Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Hospital, Pune. 바카라This (Covid antibody in their blood) proves we got the vaccine, not a placebo. We felt drowsy for two days after the shots. Took rest, slept well and did nothing. It was normal thereafter,바카라 Madhura says. 바카라There was no side-effect as such, though the doctor said we might get a fever, soreness or pain.바카라
바카라We got inspired by a neighbour, Shivanand Gokhle, who participated in the Phase II trials. He was fine,바카라 Madhura says. It was her husband바카라s decision initially to become a volunteer. Madhura followed suit바카라바카라either both of us or none바카라. Married for more than 18 years, the couple worked out contingency plans for their teen daughter and son, who is nine, in case anything went wrong. They spoke to relatives, some of whom are doctors. 바카라We learned that since the vaccine is made out of the virus itself, we might contract COVID-19 and have to quarantine. We will have to send our children to relatives,바카라 she says.
Every move has a motive, and Mr and Mrs Phatak바카라wellness and nutrition experts in Pune바카라had one too. A prime driver behind their decision was to test the immunity levels of their bodies. 바카라We take so much care choosing the right food, do regular exercise and maintain healthy habits바카라if the vaccine does not work on us, what will happen to people unmindful of their health?바카라 In the end, it was a fun ride바카라a rollercoaster of psychological fluctuations. 바카라When we look back at what we did, we feel good. What did we learn? Take anything with a positive mind and approach. It will bring a positive outcome,바카라 Madhura says.
바카라I asked my parents thinking they might discourage me for the trials, but they rather accompanied me too.바카라
Pratibha Jain, 25, Marine electrical engineer, Jaipur
Pratibha Jain is a globetrotter바카라logging nautical miles on cargo ships as electrical engineer for the Maersk Line. The ship is her home and workstation for months바카라also a floating Petri dish for viruses because of the confined space. For a few months, she visits her parents in Jaipur. During a holiday in early December, Jain heard about the vaccine clinical trials in India. And the news about the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which her Danish company has been contracted to ship around the globe. 바카라I felt inspired to participate in the clinical trials of a Made in India vaccine,바카라 Jain says. And so she walked into Maharaja Agrasen Superspeciality Hospital in Jaipur바카라where the ICMR-Bharat Biotech바카라s Covaxin is being tested on people.
That aside, Jain바카라s motivation was spurred by the hardship she witnessed during the lockdown. 바카라So many seafarers were stuck in the sea, away from their families for months. A chartered flight flew me to a ship in June to replace someone who was there for more than 10 months.바카라
To her surprise, her parents supported her when she revealed her decision to volunteer for the trials. They wanted to join too. 바카라We drove to the hospital about 18 km away and took the first dose on December 28. Since then, there is a good feeling that we are part of an exercise that will save humanity,바카라 Jain says. She, her father Pradeep Kumar Jain, 55, and mother Mamta Jain, 53, were briefed about side-effects, but they haven바카라t had any.
바카라I had fever and body ache after each shots, but those were expected.바카라
Dr Karan Gupta, 41, Education counsellor, Mumbai
As an educationist, Dr Karan Gupta, a Harvard Business School alumnus, counsels students on careers and options for studying abroad. As a social activist, he teaches vocational skills to underprivileged women and children. Add another detail to his bio바카라a vaccine volunteer, after he took the Oxford-AstraZeneca바카라s Covishield as part of the clinical trials at Nair Hospital, Mumbai, on September 28. A month on, he got a booster dose. Gupta got into the act when news broke that a person ended up with a swollen spinal cord following vaccination in the UK. The flipside was that the number of Indian vaccine volunteers dropped soon after. 바카라I realised that if we don바카라t have enough volunteers, we would never get a vaccine. And without a vaccine, we would never be able to stop this disease that has cost us so much. Therefore, without hesitation, I signed up.바카라
Wasn바카라t he afraid of side-effects? 바카라Of course, I was. Taking a risk without fear is brave, but taking one with fear is braver,바카라 he philosophises. His mother didn바카라t commend his 바카라bravado바카라바카라and agreed reluctantly when he explained the pros and cons of the experimental vaccine. 바카라She kept motivating me during the month-long trial period.바카라 Gupta praises the hospital staff and officials associated with the tests. 바카라They were extremely professional and cooperative바카라, and clarified every detail and query about side-effects, he says. He continued COVID-19 precautions even after taking the shot. 바카라I wear masks, use sanitisers etc. The vaccine is not a magic cure and COVID-19 is not to be taken lightly.바카라
Gupta had fever and body ache after each of the two shots. 바카라But I knew it was expected and could manage with paracetamol,바카라 he says. On reports that fewer volunteers are turning up for the ICMR-Bharat Biotech vaccine trials, Gupta exhorts people to 바카라discharge their duty as citizens of the world바카라. 바카라This is a small sacrifice for the good of humanity. When 130 crore Indians are praying for you, what can possibly go wrong? Don바카라t be afraid. Your parents바카라 blessings are with you. I believe people will step in when the need arises.바카라
바카라My wife inspired me to get the shot.바카라
Dr R Kishore, 68, General physician, Faridabad
Dr Kishore shuttered his clinic in Faridabad바카라a first in more than 20 years, except for a few holidays바카라when the coronavirus infection spread and strict stay-at-home orders were issued last March. He sequestered indoors, considering his age, for months. But when the nation unlocked slowly, he opened his clinic: a brave move for a man in a vulnerable age group and who has to deal with the ailing, some might even be Covid carriers, for a living. 바카라One has to face reality, with adequate safety norms,바카라 he says. When he heard about the vaccine clinical test, he took it as an opportunity for him and his wife to get a safety cover. 바카라She advised there is no harm in taking a chance since the vaccine for the masses is still a few months away. And so I went ahead바카라got vaccinated before others.바카라 As a physician he was aware of the side-effects, but those are negligible.
His rationale sounds selfish, but his second intention deserves a salute바카라he became a volunteer to set an example for people hesitant to take part in the trials. 바카라I see fear among people바카라they are scared to take the shot. There are misconceptions due to stray incidents of side-effects in India and abroad. Now that I have taken it, I believe it will convince many people to come forward.바카라 He and his wife took the first shot on December 3, followed by the booster after 28 days at the ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad. Any side-effect? 바카라Nah! The doctor told me I can get my blood tested to find out if I have developed antibodies for the virus. I will go for it to make sure I got the vaccine.바카라
바카라I wanted to join the army and get a gunshot for the country... I바카라m happy with a vaccine shot now.바카라
Vijay Sharma, 23, College graduate, Indore
Vijay Sharma landed a job with a private firm after his BCom(H) from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya, Indore, but lost it during the countrywide Covid lockdown. Jobless and staring at an uncertain future, he was shaken completely when he saw the plight of migrants last summer. It pricked his conscience and he vowed to help fight the virus plaguing the planet in whatever way possible. The opportunity came when he read the news that a hospital in Jaipur was short of volunteers for vaccine clinical trials. 바카라I was disappointed. How come, in a country of 1.38 billion people, we don바카라t have a few thousand people coming forward for the trials? I decided I will do it.바카라
For a young man who wanted to enlist in the military but had to back off because of 바카라family reasons바카라 that he refused to divulge, patriotism and humanitarianism played out in equal parts when he decided to take a train to Jaipur, 600 km away, instead of the nearest clinical trial site in Bhopal, 200 km from hometown Indore. 바카라If I cannot get a gunshot for the country, at least I can serve my motherland with a vaccine shot,바카라 he says. He convinced his parents to come along. The trio set off on December 21 and reached Jaipur the next day. 바카라About 11 am, I reached the hospital and got my health-check done,바카라 Sharma says. 바카라I didn바카라t know the Aadhaar card was mandatory to register for the trials. I had mine, but my parents forgot theirs.바카라
He got his first shot on December 22 and was told to come for the second after 28 days. Sharma was back in Jaipur with his parents바카라with their Aadhaar cards this time바카라and a cousin on December 26. They got their shots too. His mother had a swollen arm after the jab, and was advised painkillers and an ointment. 바카라I was a little worried about her,바카라 Sharma says. 바카라The doctor said some people develop minor side-effects. We are travelling for the second dose on January 22.바카라
바카라A day after taking the first dose of the vaccine, I went for a 10-km marathon practice run.바카라
Shivanand S. Gokhale, 52, Businessman, Pune
A passionate marathoner, Shivanand S. Gokhale gives full attention to his and his family바카라s health and fitness. His family includes his bedridden mother, his wife and a daughter in college. His mom wasn바카라t happy when he told her his decision to volunteer for the vaccine clinical trials. 바카라I was determined and told her that someone has to take the initiative. Why not us?바카라 Opposition came from another front too바카라his daughter, 바카라full of unfounded, preconceived notions against clinical trials바카라. Gokhale discussed the matter with her threadbare and once her mind got unclogged, 바카라she was so impressed that she wanted to be a volunteer too바카라. But he decided that 바카라we should go one at a time바카라.
His wife, with a background in biology, understood. She didn바카라t oppose, or encourage either. His two friends, who volunteered along with him, faced similar resistance at home, but got the go-ahead eventually. All three reached Bharati Vidyapeeth Deemed University Medical College and Hospital in Pune on August 27, and got their health and COVID-19 screening done. They were vaccinated the next day. 바카라We didn바카라t feel anything. The next day, we went for a 10-km practice run for a marathon and one of my friends completed it seven minutes better than his best time. Was he administered some performance-enhancing drug? We joked,바카라 Gokhale says. They took the next dose on September 28.
바카라The doctor warned that we would be dropped as volunteers if our Covid test reports came positive.바카라
Ranti Dev Gupta, 51, Businessman, Faridabad
For the amusement of all, WhatsApp posts are not that stupid after all. Ranti Dev Gupta, who runs three amusement water parks in Delhi-NCR, and wife Meenakshi Gupta, teacher at a government school, will vouch for that. Mrs Gupta learned about the Covaxin clinical trials on a WhatsApp group of colleagues. She discussed it with her husband and they decided to become volunteers 바카라not because we wanted a vaccine, but to serve the nation바카라. They visited ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Faridabad, on December 3 and staff 바카라gave us a booklet published by Bharat Biotech that had all the details about vaccination, side-effects, compensation et al바카라. 바카라We read it and proceeded for a health check,바카라 Meenakshi says.
First off, they underwent the RT-PCR test for COVID-19 and an antigen test to know if they were infected before. 바카라The vaccinator warned us that if our two tests came positive, we would be dropped as volunteers,바카라 Dev says. 바카라The hospital kept us under observation for half-an-hour. The process was over in a couple of hours and we left for home.바카라 The couple took the second dose on December 31. 바카라I am in touch with two colleagues who volunteered for the trials. They haven바카라t developed any side-effects either,바카라 Dev바카라s wife says.
