Residents: We should have been told about post-jab issues

Ludhiana: The government and the administration are asking people to get jabbed against Covid-19, but are not counselling them about the post-vaccination complications. Many first-dose vaccinated people are facing different health issues and are clueless about dealing with them.
A 39-year-old resident of the Old City said, “I was aware that I may get fever for two days after getting vaccinated. But I had it for three days and was feeling low, besides there was pain in my chest. I was told to get medicine for fever, which broke, but the chest pain continued. Worried, I got my ECG and x-ray done from a private hospital, but the doctors said the vaccination must have caused the pain. They gave medicine for the pain and asked me to consult after a few days.”
“I kept feeling unwell, and had no idea about these complications. The administration should keep in touch with the people getting vaccinated to know about their health and if they are facing any issues,” he added.
A 42-year-old hosiery businessman said, “After the first dose, I got a fever for a few days and felt low. I was uncomfortable even while using the stairs. I had body ache, headache and fatigue for over a week.”
A 40-year-year old resident of Model Gram said, “I live alone in a PG here. I could not get up from bed for three days after getting vaccinated. There was no one to cook for me, so my friends helped me. Even after a few days, I faced breathing problems, especially while using stairs. I feel that the doctors must tell people about the issues they may face after getting the vaccine.”
A 38-year-old businessman from Division 3 area, said, “I had heard that the doctors first check the medical history before giving the vaccine. But when I went for vaccination, nobody asked me anything. I was not even kept under observation for 30 minutes after the jab, which should have been done. About three hours later, I got a fever. The body temperature came down with medicine, but it kept increasing every four hours. This continued for three days. Besides, I could not drive due to pain in the arm.”
Chief medical officer Dr Kiran Ahluwalia said, “People need time to recover after vaccination. They should take nutritious food, keep themselves hydrated, start excercising slowly and steadily like they can begin with 5-10 minute walk and breathing exercises, among others. As far as vaccination is concerned, beneficiaries are advised on the spot that if they suffer myalgia, body aches or fever, they can have a paracetamol.”
“Beneficiaries who are getting vaccinated are healthy people. They can always approach a doctor and can also give a call on helpline 104. Contacts of nodal officers are displayed at the vaccination centres and people can approach them with queries or health issues after vaccination. Fever, body aches, headache and pain in arm can happen after vaccination, but not chest pain. Anxiety can cause this. They should visit a doctor,” she added.