Vaccination against Covid-19 will be voluntary: Ministry of Health | India News


NEW DELHI: Getting vaccinated against Covid-19 will be voluntary, the Union’s health ministry said, while underlining that the vaccine introduced in India will be as effective as any vaccine developed by other countries.
The ministry further stated that it was advisable to receive a full coronavirus vaccine schedule regardless of the history of Covid-19 infection, as this will help develop a strong immune response against the disease.
He also said that the protective level of antibodies usually develops two weeks after receiving the second dose.
The ministry listed a series of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the Covid-19 vaccine on Thursday night and answered questions such as whether taking a vaccine was mandatory, how long it takes for antibodies to develop, and whether it was necessary for a Covid. recovered person to receive the vaccine.
“Vaccination against Covid-19 is voluntary. However, it is advisable to receive the full vaccine schedule to protect against this disease and also to limit the spread of this disease to close contacts, including family, friends, relatives, and colleagues. of work, “said the ministry in response to a question about whether it is mandatory to take the photo.
The ministry said vaccine trials are in different stages of completion. The government is prepared to launch a vaccine for Covid-19 soon, he said.
Six vaccines: one developed by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR, the second developed by Zydus Cadila, the third by Gennova, Oxford vaccine, whose trial is carried out by the Serum Institute of India, Sputnik V vaccine that is being manufactured by Dr. Reddy’s Lab., Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Gamaleya National Center of Russia and the sixth manufactured by Biological E Ltd, Hyderabad, in collaboration with MIT, USA, are undergoing clinical trials in India.
On whether a vaccine will be safe since it is being tested and introduced in a short period of time and what the possible side effects may be, the ministry said that the vaccines will be introduced into the country only after regulatory bodies authorize it based on its safety and efficacy.
“The Covid-19 vaccine will be introduced only when safety is proven. As with other vaccines, common side effects in some people could be mild fever, pain, etc. at the injection site,” the ministry said at the Frequent questions.
He said states have been asked to begin making arrangements to deal with any vaccine-related side effects as one of the measures for the safe delivery of the vaccine.
A person must take two doses of the vaccine, 28 days apart, to complete the vaccination schedule, he said.
The ministry said that anyone taking drugs for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, etc., can receive the Covid-19 vaccine, as people with one or more of these comorbid conditions are considered high category. risk and need to be vaccinated.
In response to a question about whether the vaccine will be administered to everyone simultaneously, the ministry said that based on the possible availability of vaccines, the government has selected priority groups to get vaccinated as they are at higher risk.
In the initial phase, the Covid 19 vaccine will be provided to the priority group: healthcare and frontline workers. The age group 50 and over can also start early depending on the availability of the vaccine.
Eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number about the health facility where the vaccine will be administered and the scheduled time. This will be done to avoid any inconvenience in the registration and vaccination of beneficiaries, said the ministry in the frequently asked questions.
On why healthcare providers and front-line workers are chosen to receive the Covid-19 vaccine, the ministry said the government has prioritized the highest-risk / high-risk groups that will receive the vaccine first.
Healthcare providers have led the battle against Covid-19 from the frontlines. The government wants them to be able to continue their work, without fear of the risk associated with the virus.
“Therefore, frontline and healthcare workers are among the first group of people to get vaccinated,” he said.
The ministry said that registration of a beneficiary is mandatory for vaccination against Covid-19. Only after registration, information about the session site to visit and the time will be shared.
After online registration, the beneficiary will receive an SMS on their registered mobile number on the deadline, place and time of vaccination.
Photo ID such as driver’s license, Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee National Act (MGNREGA) work card, PAN card, bank / post office issued savings book, passport • Pension document, credit card Service ID issued to employees by Central / State Government / Public Limited Companies and Voter ID can be presented at the time of registration.
Upon receiving the due dose of the vaccine, the beneficiary will receive SMS on their registered mobile number. After all doses of the vaccine are administered, a certificate based on a QR code will also be sent to the recipient’s registered mobile number, the ministry said.
On preventive measures and precautions, the ministry said: “We ask that you rest at the vaccination center for at least half an hour after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Please inform the nearest health / ANM / ASHA authorities in case you feel any discomfort or concern later on. Remember to continue to follow appropriate key Covid behaviors such as mask use, maintain hand sanitization and physical distance.” added.

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