Unvaccinated Against COVID-19: Dealing With Closed Ones

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has emerged as a major healthcare crisis in contemporary society, posing immense challenges. Millions of lives have been tragically lost, and an overwhelming number of individuals have been impacted by this dangerous virus. Through the advancements in modern medical science, scientists have successfully formulated vaccines to combat this infectious disease. Vaccines are not only necessary to reduce mortality but also disease-related complications. Also, due to the emergence of new variants, it has become important to modify the dosage of these vaccines. Consequently, an additional booster dose is implemented to safeguard high-risk individuals from the COVID-19 virus, ensuring their protection.

What Is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is an RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus belonging to a member of the Orthocoronaviridae subfamily. This particular virus usually causes a self-limiting infection of mild to moderate severity in humans. The initial occurrence of the COVID-19 outbreak was recorded in China during the latter part of 2019. Upon examination, the genome of this novel coronavirus exhibits resemblances to other β-CoV strains found in bats, which is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and COVID-19 infections.

In instances where COVID-19 complications become severe, they can lead to the death of the patient. Individuals often experience significant breathing difficulties and may present with additional symptoms such as:

• Mild to severe upper respiratory tract infections with complications like running nose, nose blockage, cough, cold, and sneezing.

• Additional symptoms like loss of taste sensations, smell sensations, and pain in the tongue can be seen.

• Pronounced lung congestion and lung infection, accompanied by the production of mucus-like substances.

• Decreased levels of oxygen saturation in the blood.

• Severe pulmonary pneumonia.

• Elevated heart rate.

• High blood pressure.

Ultimately, a diminished supply of oxygen to the body and its organs culminates in death. Individuals with compromised immune systems or suffering from systemic disorders like diabetes, renal disease, and cardiovascular disorders are more susceptible to fatal consequences resulting from a coronavirus infection.

Who Are Among the Risk Groups Among Unvaccinated Persons?

The individuals who are more susceptible to developing COVID-19 infections are included in the high-risk group. This is primarily due to their compromised immunity against coronavirus infection or their vulnerability to virus exposure. The high-risk group comprises the following:

• Elderly Individuals Aged Over 60 Years: The elderly population faces the highest risk of contracting the coronavirus. According to data, approximately 81 % of COVID-19 deaths have occurred in individuals above the age of 65.

• Individuals with Comorbid Conditions: These are individuals who have underlying systemic diseases that increase their susceptibility to COVID-19. Such conditions include diabetes, hypertension, cardiac disorders, lung disorders, and respiratory problems like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The risk of severe illness from COVID-19 escalates as the number of underlying conditions increases.

• Immunocompromised Individuals: These individuals have weakened immune systems either due to cancer or prolonged use of immunosuppressive medications. This category includes individuals suffering from autoimmune disorders, cancer patients, patients undergoing radio and chemotherapy, and patients who have received organ transplants. Such persons, if they remain unvaccinated, face severe complications after getting infected by COVID-19.

What Are the Reasons for Being Unvaccinated Against COVID-19?

The causes of not taking vaccines can be multifactorial. These are;

1. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the major causes of non-vaccination. Many people have no faith in vaccines and doubt their efficiency. Some people still believe that inbuilt immunity of the body is sufficient in preventing COVID-19 infection. Apart from this, cultural factors and religious factors play an important role in vaccine hesitancy. Misconception and misinformation about vaccination is also another important factor in developing vaccine hesitancy.

2. Access to vaccines is a major issue. In developing or underdeveloped countries, the availability of the vaccine is a major issue. Also, sometimes, it is impossible for elderly people to travel long distances for vaccination.

3. Adverse events associated with COVID-19 vaccines are one of the major causes of remaining unvaccinated. Vaccine adverse events are allergic reactions, cardiac complications, and fever. Even in some cases, the death of the vaccinated person is seen. Needless to say, such events are minimal in numbers, and in most cases, no link between adverse events and COVID-19 has been found so far. However, such incidents have caused vaccine hesitancy.

4. In some cases, persons are prohibited from taking vaccines by the advice of medical professionals. Immunocompromised patients and patients with certain medical issues belong to this category.

5. In many countries, vaccination for children was not introduced in the beginning. As a result, a large number of children remain unvaccinated in several countries. Also, lack of awareness and fear of adverse events are also responsible for unvaccinated children.

How to Deal With Unvaccinated Family Members?

Dealing with vaccinated people is necessary. Unvaccinated people can be infected by COVID-19 infection, and it may cause serious medical complications. Also, unvaccinated people can turn into spreaders and can spread COVID-19 infection. Such people can be dealt with in the following ways:

1. The most important thing is to motivate such persons to get vaccinated. The cause of vaccine hesitancy is to be determined, and proper knowledge and education must be provided to overcome such cases.

2. Arrangements for home vaccination or vaccination programs in the local areas can be helpful.

3. Medical opinion should be taken to rule out potential complications associated with vaccinations.

4. Parents of unvaccinated children should be encouraged to get vaccinations. Increasing awareness of vaccinations should be done by conducting camps and awareness programs.

5. Unvaccinated persons should be prevented from going outside and joining social gatherings.

6. Unvaccinated persons must be encouraged to use masks and hand sanitizers.

7. Children and persons with immunocompromised conditions must be cautious while talking with unvaccinated persons.

8. Booster doses should be arranged for high-risk individuals and persons with immunocompromised conditions.

Conclusion:

Unvaccinated family members may be infected by COVID-19 infection. They may also spread the infection to other people. Vaccine hesitancy is one of the major causes of being unvaccinated. Apart from this, the unavailability of the vaccine and medical complications may also be the cause of being unvaccinated. However, proper motivation and knowledge may be helpful in removing vaccine hesitancy. Also, a proper medical examination should be done to rule out medical complications associated with the vaccine. Unvaccinated people should maintain proper protection, like masks, gloves, and hand sanitizers, to protect themselves from the COVID-19 vaccine.