India is all set to roll out the coronavirus vaccination exercise. The DCGI has approved two vaccines- Covishield and Covaxin- for Coronavirus vaccination in India. After the approval of these two vaccines, many people are wondering whether they are eligible to get these vaccines and if yes, when and how?
Keeping in mind the curiosity regarding the vaccination process among the general public, the government of India on Sunday released a three-part video series to answer all such questions related to the vaccination exercise. In the video, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Dr Randeep Guleria responds to all concerns surrounding the Covid-19 inoculation.
Covid-19 vaccination: Here're answers to all your quesries
Is vaccine mandatory?
The answer is NO. Taking the vaccine is voluntary. However, it is advisable to take the complete vaccine schedule as far as Covid-19 is concerned.
Also Read: Co-WIN app for Covid-19 vaccination: Launch date, how to download and register yourself
Will the vaccine be given to everyone?
This will depend on the availability of vaccines. The government has also selected priority groups based on risk factors. The first group will include healthcare and frontline workers, the second group will be people over the age of 50 and those under 50 with comorbid conditions.
Doses required:
Two doses of vaccine, 28 days apart are needed and this needs to be taken by all to complete the vaccine schedule.
Side-effects:
Some degree of common side-effects could be in the form of mild fever, pain at the site of side-effects, body aches, etc. States have been asked to make arrangements to deal with any side-effects as one of the measures towards ensuring safe vaccine delivery.
Selection of vaccine beneficiaries:
In the initial phase, the Covid-19 vaccine will be provided to the priority groups. The eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number regarding the health facility where the vaccine will be provided and the scheduled time for the same. This will be done to avoid any inconvenience in registration and vaccination of beneficiaries.
Can an individual get the vaccine without registration?
The registration is mandatory and the information on the session site will be shared only after registration. (The government has announced Co-Win app, a digital platform for real-time monitoring of vaccine. It will also enable people to get themselves registered for vaccination.)
Documents required for the registration of vaccination:
Driving license, Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of labour ministry, MGNREGA job card,
official ID cards issued by MPs/MLAs/MLCs, PAN card, passbooks issued by banks/post office, passport, pension documents, service ID cards issued to employees by central/state govt/Public Ltd Companies or Voter ID cards.
Is Photo ID necessary?
Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.
Information about the due date of vaccination:
Following online registration, beneficiaries will receive SMS on their registered numbers on the due date, place and time of vaccination.
When will Vaccine develop antibodies?
Protective level of antibodies generally will develop two weeks after receiving the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine.
Is it necessary for a Covid recovered person to receive vaccine:
Yes, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of vaccine irrespective of past history of infection with Covid-19. This will help you to develop a better immune response against the disease.
Can people with illnesses like cancer, diabetes, hypertensions, take the vaccine?
Yes, such individuals should take the vaccine because they're high-risk groups. It's important for them to understand that the medicines will not affect the vaccine efficacy.
Is vaccine safe as it is being tested and introduced in a short span of time?
Vaccines will be introduced in India only after regulatory bodies clear it for safety & efficacy. All standard precautions taken in the past for vaccine approval will be taken this time as well.
