What is the recommended dose and schedule?
Do you need to take it even if you had Corona?
How many days after getting vaccine, would I develop protection?
How long will the vaccine provide immunity?
When is the Corona vaccine likely to be available in India?

These and many more questions answered.

1. What is the recommended dose and schedule?
   Two doses given 21 days or 28 days apart depending on vaccine used.
2. What if I take only one dose?
   One dose will give you only partial protection of maybe 60-80% and will not last long enough. For complete protection you must take two doses at recommended intervals.
3. What if I forget to take the second dose? Should I take the first again?
   Just take the second dose at the earliest. No need to repeat the first dose.
4. Are both doses same?
   In most of the vaccines it will be the same dose given twice. However, Sputnik- V vaccine has both doses as different vector viruses, so will be marked as dose 1 and 2. Oxford-AZ vaccine may also come out with first dose as half dose.
5. Do you need to take it even if you had Corona? After how many days of getting cured?
   Yes. But that will be last in the priority list. You can let others take who probably need more than you. You might need it earlier if you did not develop an antibody response.
6. Can it be administered to an individual who has received plasma as treatment for Covid?
   The donor plasma contains anti Covid-19 antibodies and may suppress the immune response to the vaccine. As it is, those who have recovered from Covid-19 may not need the vaccine in the early phases.
7. Can a pregnant lady or a lactating mother take the vaccine?
   No company has yet tested the vaccine in pregnancy. CDC has advised against giving the vaccine to pregnant and lactating mothers. UK authorities have advised women not to get pregnant for two months after the shot. Since the vaccines available till now are not live vaccines, it should not cause any problem if given inadvertently.
8. Can a diabetic patient take the vaccine?
   Yes, in fact diabetes has been established as a risk factor for severe disease and all diabetic patients must get vaccinated on priority.
9. If offered a choice of vaccines, which one should I take?
   All vaccines are offering equal efficacy although local reactions may be different. Take whatever available. Think positive that at least you are being offered a vaccine ahead of others. Indian manufactured vaccines will be more suitable for our population as they are cheaper and can be kept at 2-8 degree Celsius. The mRNA vaccines require a storing temp of -70 (Pfizer) and -20 (Moderna) which may be difficult to maintain in summer months.
10. How many days after getting vaccine, would I develop protection?
    It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.
11. How long will the vaccine provide immunity?
    It is a new virus, new technology vaccine, so we don’t know. After follow-ups of these vaccinated population and their antibodies for a couple of years, we would be wiser. The need for boosters and when will they be required, will be decided after these follow ups and mathematical modelling.
12. Children of what age can be vaccinated? Is the dose same as adults or lesser dose to be given?
    Trials done till now have been for adults above 18 only. Now trials for children above 12 have started. Doses will be decided only after trials are done on younger children and infants.
13. Can it be given to immunocompromised individuals?
    The mRNA vaccine and inactivated vaccines are safe. AZ and Sputnik-V adenovirus vector vaccines are also safe as they are nonreplicating viral vector vaccines. Live vaccines and replicating viral vector vaccines will have to be avoided.
14. What are the side effects expected?
    The side effects reported by the trial population are mostly mild Covid like symptoms like some fever and fatigue. Local injection site pain and induration is also reported. Reports of transverse myelitis and facial palsy have not been found to be related to the vaccine. Generally, all vaccines are safe. Although these vaccines have been made in record time, the testing methodology and procedures have not been compromised.
15. I am allergic to egg. Can I take the vaccine?
    Egg cell lines are not used for production of these vaccines. They can be taken safely even if you are allergic to egg.
16. I heard that it has pig or monkey products? I am a pure Vegetarian.
    The new vaccines manufactured these days are devoid of any such products.
17. In the past vaccines have been linked to Autism. What about these?
    In 1985 there was a paper linking MMR with autism. Millions of children followed up after that have conclusively proven that there is no relationship between vaccines and autism. All vaccines are extremely safe with minimal temporary side effects.
18. There are messages going around that mRNA from vaccine gets incorporated into the human genome and alter our genetic structure. Is that true?
    mRNA vaccine carries a message to the cell to produce spike protein which induces antibody production. It does what it is directed to do. Till date there have been no adverse events reported.
19. What is the interaction of alcohol and Covid vaccine?
    Excessive alcohol can reduce the immune responses to vaccines. Since Russians are known for heavy drinking, their government has advised to avoid drinking two weeks prior to first dose and 6 weeks after the second dose. The Sputnik vaccine is given as two doses 21 days apart. Occasional glass of wine or beer will not interfere with the immune response.
20. Soon the virus will mutate and we will need another vaccine. Should we not wait?
    Till now the virus has not shown tendency to mutate like the Flu virus. Moreover, the vaccines being developed have taken this into consideration and should still work.
21. What if I do not want to take the vaccine? Will it be made mandatory?
    In majority of countries, it will not be mandatory. You have to choose between the new viral disease with no specific treatment and a new vaccine. Choice is yours. As initially there will be a huge demand supply gap, by not taking a vaccine you can help others.
22. Can I roam around without a mask once I am vaccinated?
    No, not as of now. One may do so only when the majority of the population has either got the disease or received the vaccine. This means the population has developed herd immunity.
23. Are newer and better Covid vaccines expected in near future?
    As of December 2020, more than 250 vaccines are under trial in different phases. A lot of research is underway to develop newer delivery methods also. Nasal spray vaccine is probably the most promising. A multi dose nasal spray delivery device can be very convenient and economical. It will produce local IgA antibodies and block the virus at entry itself. It will reduce nasal colonisation and thus prevent transmission of disease also. Unfortunately, since it will be a live vaccine, it will need maximum and most stringent trials and thus will take longest time to hit the market. Covid-19 is still a new disease and we are still learning. The facts mentioned above are as of 14 December 2020. Please re-check the facts before taking a Covid vaccine shot.

For specific questions about India and much much more, go to the source below

https://wholisticwellnessspace.wordpress.com/2020/12/30/frequently-asked-questions-on-covid-vaccines/

BOE Steps Up Negative Rates Work as Economic Threats Mount

OMG! Is this really true? Does what we have heard from the grapevine mean that, if you are in England, forget about getting Interest on your deposit, you might have to pay money to deposit money.

According to Bloomberg, the Bank of England gave the clearest signal yet, that it may consider cutting interest rates below zero for the first time in its history as the economy faces a surge in coronavirus infections and the risk of a no-deal Brexit.

With multiple threats to the outlook looming, the BOE will begin “structured engagement” with U.K. bank regulators on how it might implement negative rates. Governor Andrew Bailey said last month the policy has become part of the central bank’s toolkit.

The comments in the minutes of Thursday’s policy decision prompted money market traders to bet that the next 10 basis points of easing will come in February, with another cut of the same magnitude to follow after the summer. The pound weakened, and was trading down 0.7% at $1.2876 at 1:36 p.m. on 17th September in London

Financial Express adds: The prospect of negative rates has typically met a cool response among policymakers who are mindful of the negative side-effects of the move in other parts of the world. But the latest statement offered a reminder that more quantitative easing, or bond buying, is not the only move left open to the BoE.

Investors are xpecting heightened volatility in the pound until November, when time runs out for Brussels and London to reach an agreement on trade before the UK drops out of the EU’s single market and customs union at the end of the year. If Britain leaves the trade bloc without an agreement, analysts said the central bank will probably cut its key rate to combat a potential economic shock.

https://www.ft.com/content/1124fbd1-0142-4309-ada8-e1563e64c50d

https://www.bloombergquint.com/global-economics/boe-steps-up-talks-on-negative-rates-amid-uncertain-outlook

This ESSAYS on the Concept of a “RIGHT TO LIVE” by Marion Harroff–Tavel

In memory of Yougindra Khushalani

Just as peace is not simply the absence of war, but rather a dynamic process of co-operation among peoples, life is not simply the antithesis of death, but rather a period of time during which every human being should be able to develop fully in dignity and in enjoyment of the respect of others. This was the profound conviction, imbued with humanity and solidarity with the most vulnerable among us, that inspired Yougindra Khushalani, an eminent Indian lawyer and Vice President of the Association of International Consultants on Human Rights (CID), to conceive the idea of a “right to live“. It is to this intelligent, highly motivated and courageous woman, whose own life ended so tragically early, that the authors of this collection of essays^​*​ pay tribute by developing the ideas that were so dear to her, each in his own special sphere of interest. All the contributors are eminent figures in the world of human rights and international humanitarian law, which she studied in depth during a period spent at the International Committee of the Red Cross.

How does the “right to live” differ from the more familiar “right to life“?

The right to life, guaranteed by numerous provisions of human rights instruments and international humanitarian law, is specifically asserted in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which permits no derogation from this right, even when an exceptional public emergency is threatening the life of a nation. As stated in Article 6 of the Covenant, it is an “inherent right” of every human being. The article goes on to say: “That right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life”. Several paragraphs of the same article deal with the death penalty, which is also the subject of an essay in the book, based on the preparatory work in drafting the Covenant.

The “right to live” is an extension of the “right to life“. To live is more than simple existence; it implies the enjoyment of living conditions conducive to the full development of the human person. To have enough food, a home, adequate education and medical care, to be able to work under proper conditions, to move about and express oneself freely, to grow up in a healthy and peaceful environment where all traditions and cultures are respected; these are some aspects of the “right to live”. Furthermore, during the time given him, from birth to death, every individual should be free from fear, fear of insecurity, fear of ill-treatment, torture, “disappearance”, summary execution or the menace represented by the arms race. Even in wartime, indeed, particularly in such circumstances, a “margin of humanity” must be preserved thanks to international humanitarian law. It is difficult to sum up in a few lines the rich content of this work, which covers a score of subjects such as the right to a decent environment, to development and to communications, and the issues of peace, disarmament and scientific and technological progress. Several of the problems involved in giving effect to the “right to live” are also taken up: the role that could be played by the many existing voluntary organizations in improving the quality of life, the protection of migrant workers, the impact of the “brain drain” on developing countries, the “right to live” in the African context, the right of children to be protected from death, disease and exploitation. Finally, the right to be different—from the point of view of a woman from the Third World, Yougindra Khushalani, who attached the greatest importance to the need to respect the cultural identity of peoples. The book concludes with several essays on State responsibility for the protection of the “right to live”.

This publication is far from being a heterogeneous collection of mismatched opinions; it is a harmonious work which illuminates the central theme of the right to live from various angles. In this respect the task undertaken by the general editor, Daniel Premont, has proved a success.

Is now the right time to put forward a new human right on the basis of the concept of a “right to live“? Isn’t this idea in effect a synthesis of all human rights? These questions remain open, and it is up to each reader to form his own opinion. The value of this “comprehensive and evolutive” concept of human rights, to borrow the title of one section of the book, seems to us to be essentially an educational matter. As one of the authors says, work to raise young people’s awareness of human rights issues must not be limited to providing them with information, but must help prepare them to live together in harmony in tomorrow’s society, a society which the adults of today find it difficult to imagine. This is a major and difficult educational undertaking. An approach to the problems of the human community based on the concept of the “right to live” would help stir the awareness of children to values such as respect for life and tolerance, would open their eyes to the realities and diversity of the world and, most important, would give them a sense of their own responsibility by making them realize that solidarity among human beings is the source of collective and individual fulfilment.

Marion Harroff–Tavel

Other Links to Dr. Yougindra Khushalani
https://onevorld.org/2020/02/23/dr-miss-yougindra-khushalani-endowmentlecture-in-mumbai-university/

Central Government has launched a people friendly scheme especially for Sr.Citizens & also for all other citizens ~eSANJEEVANI.

Especially for aged people with blood pressure, diabetes, etc. who take regular medicine, they cannot be taken to hospital immediately for OPD.

Even, if they’re taken, risk is more. For small problems such as head ache, body pain, they might stay at home not willing to go to hospital.

Now, they have eSANJEEVANI website and app which is handy. You can reach this through Google Chrome and do the following.

1. Opt for patients registration.
2. Type your mobile no. and get OTP to get into the website.
3. Enter patient details and district.

Now, you will be connected to a doctor online.
Then, through video, you can consult the doctor for your any health problem.
Doctor will prescribe medicine online.
You can show that in medical pharmacy shop and get medicine.

This is totally free. Quacks will not be there. You can use this service every day from 10 am to 3 pm only. Including Sunday.

Tirupur in Tamil Nadu has got first place in this eConsultation.

Kindly forward this post to senior citizens and disabled people you know.

This Central Govt Website is https://www.eSanjeevaniopd.in

Also Available as an App on Playstore at this link:

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.hied.esanjeevaniopd

Key features of this citizen friendly web-based National Teleconsultation Service (eSanjeevaniOPD) are:

Patient registration
Family member registration
Institutional registration (like correctional facilities, Sr. Citizen Homes, Orphanages etc.)
Queue Management
Video Consultation with a Doctor
Instant messaging (text-based)
ePrescription
SMS Notifications
Serviced by Doctors employed
Free Service (managed jointly by State

Yogananda said: “One moon gives more light than all the stars.” The mooned life of one true devotee sheds more light of God’s goodness and love than all the twinkling lives that glimmer only with human love. With the devotion of a heart filled with longing for the one Beloved, sing unceasingly to God alone: “Night and day I am looking for You, my Lord, night and day.”

Daya Mata, Self Realization Magazine, Fall 1976

Guru Das Agrawal also known as Sant Swami Sanand, Sant Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand (20 July 1932 – 11 October 2018) was an Indian environmental engineer, religious leader, monk, environmental activist, professor, and he was the Patron of Ganga Mahasabha founded by Madan Mohan Malviya in 1905.

Agrawal died on 11 October 2018, after fasting since 22 June 2018, demanding the government act on its promises to clean and save the Ganga.

Prof. Manohar Khushalani from IIIT-Delhi appeared live on 12th October 2018, on News 24 at 4.55 pm on a program on Ganga – Panch ki Panchayat. IIT Professor, Dr G. D. Agarwal’s departure from this planet after a fast unto death has refocused on the significant issue of Pollution of our Rivers. The program was shot in an Interesting format of a Panel Discussion in the open studio in Connaught Place. The format brought back Khushalani’s  Street Theatre memories, spiced with pangs of Nostalgia, as he is one of the pioneers of street theatre movement in Delhi

Read Original Article

An Oped by a New York Times columnist, Roger Cohen, suggests a change of outlook and an attempt to balance the anti India rehetoric that has been bane of this News Paper so far, on the Kashmir issue.

Talking about Imran Khan, Cohen is very scathing, he says in his Op. Ed, “Suggesting Modi has sympathy for the Third Reich, comparing him to a Fascist leader and stating that he may commit “genocide,” is to protest too much. Raising the possibility of nuclear war is reckless. All this suggests his bluff has been called.”

“If Pakistan is so concerned about Nazi Germany”, Cohen asks, “it might begin by recognizing the State of Israel. Whether Pakistan really wants a solution in Kashmir, the region that justifies its bloated military budget, and whether it can ever transparently demonstrate that its intelligence services have stopped finding uses for radical Islamism in its various violent forms, remain open questions”

Expressing concern about Pakistan’s Western neighbor, He postulates, “They are important questions for the United States, as it contemplates a military withdrawal from Afghanistan. A quandary for Trump now will be how to secure Pakistani support, rather than suffer an incensed Pakistan’s sabotage, if he moves forward with his promise to bring American troops home.”

“Modi will not turn back from his elimination of Kashmir’s autonomy. That phase of Indian history is over. Trump and Modi are both forceful, media-savvy politicians. But they are not alike. Modi, a self-made man from a poor family, is measured, ascetic, not driven by impulse. Trump was born on third base. He’s erratic, guided by the devouring needs of his ego. I’d bet on Modi to transform India, all of it, including the newly integrated Kashmir region.”

Read full NYT article

Can Hydropower compete financially with Solar energy. This podcast says it all

To listen click here

How to create live compost in your Kitchen Garden. Please watch this video and take note of the Dos and Don’ts to get perfect nutrients for your soil.