People below the age of 50 years will need a medical certificate from a general physician to qualify for the COVID-19 vaccine which is being distributed by the government. The certificate should verify the severity of the pre-existing conditions to get included in the government’s priority list for the vaccine, an expert panel said.
According to the protocol, a scoring system will be set up along with a framework of criteria that doctors can monitor while certifying an individual. However, the certificate does not need fresh check-ups and can be certified by the doctors based on previous test reports and existing medical records of the patient, Times of India reported quoting unnamed sources.
The certificate then can be uploaded to Co-WIN IT platform for individuals to register for the vaccination programme.
Also Read- Co-WIN app for Covid-19 vaccination: Launch date, how to download and register yourself
The vaccine doses will be given on a priority basis and people suffering from one or more comorbidities like diabetes, heart disorders, respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, any type of cancer, people with disabilities, neurological disorders like Parkinson’s or those that can result in higher chances of severe pneumonia. People who are on immunosuppressant drugs will also be eligible.
“Protocol has been finalised and submitted to the national expert group on vaccine administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC). We have tried to keep it simple and our idea is to be more inclusive than exclusive,” the official said as per the report.
Also Read: Can you take Covid-19 vaccine? Govt of India answers all your queries
This method is largely focused on identifying individuals on the severity of comorbidities issues and giving them the doses first in order to lower the overall mortality rate and save more lives eventually. For instance, a person with diabetes for more than 10 years will get priority for vaccination whereas those who can control the condition with diet will not be considered at present.
The government will first provide the first set of 30 crore jabs to the frontline workers, people above 50 years of age and those who have severe morbidities.
The first phase of the massive vaccination drive is expected to start within 7-10 days and be completed by July.
