With India ready to roll out the Covid-19 vaccine, the government tweeted a three-part video series on Sunday to answer several frequently asked questions about the vaccination process.
In a video posted by the Union health ministry, the Director of the Indian Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. Randeep Guleria, gave a brief explanation about the entire process and addressed the general concerns surrounding the Covid-19 vaccine.
Here are all the vaccine-related queries answered by the head of AIIMS:
Is a Covid-19 Vaccine Scheduled Soon?
Yes, vaccine trials are in different stages of completion. Many vaccines are undergoing phase 3 trials that are nearing completion. Once regulatory clearance is granted, the government is ready to launch the vaccines.
Will the vaccine be given to everyone simultaneously?
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 50 and those under 50 with comorbid conditions.
Is it mandatory to get vaccinated?
Vaccination is voluntary. However, it is advisable to carry the full vaccination schedule in regards to Covid-19 because we want to protect ourselves and those close and dear.
How many doses of the vaccine would I have to take and at what intervals?
Two doses of vaccine are needed, 28 days apart, and everyone must take it to complete the vaccination schedule.
When will antibodies develop?
The protective level of antibodies will generally develop two weeks after receiving the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
What about the possible side effects?
As with all other vaccines, we will have some degree of common side effects. These can come in the form of a mild fever, pain at the site of side effects, body aches, etc.
States have been asked to make arrangements to deal with side effects as one of the measures to ensure the safe administration of the vaccine.
Of the many vaccines available, how is one or more chosen for administration?
Safety and efficacy data from clinical trials are scrutinized by the drug regulator before licensing them. Thus, all licensed vaccines will have comparable safety and efficacy.
However, it is important that we ensure that the entire vaccination schedule is completed with one type of vaccine, as the different vaccines are not interchangeable.
How will I know if I am eligible for the vaccination?
In the initial phase, the Covid-19 vaccine will be provided to priority groups. Eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number about the health facility where the vaccine will be administered and the scheduled time for it. This will be done to avoid inconveniences in the registration and vaccination of the beneficiaries.
Can I receive the vaccine without registration?
No. I don’t think that’s correct. Registration is mandatory and information on the session site will be shared only after registration. ( The government has announced the Co-Win application, a digital platform for real-time monitoring of the vaccine. It will also allow people to register for vaccination.)
What documents are required for the registration of an eligible beneficiary?
The following documents can be produced with a photo at the time of registration:
Driver’s license, smart health insurance card issued under the labor ministry scheme, MGNREGA work card, official identification cards issued by MP / MLA / MLC, PAN card, savings books issued by banks / post office, passport , pension documents, service identification cards issued to employees by central / state government / public companies Ltd or voter identification cards.
What if I don’t have a photo ID?
Photo identification is essential for both registration and verification of the beneficiary at the location of the session to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.
How will the beneficiary receive the information about the vaccination deadline?
After online registration, beneficiaries will receive SMS on their registered numbers on the expiration date, place and time of vaccination.
Will I receive information on the status of the vaccination once it is finished?
Yes, upon receiving the due dose the beneficiary will receive SMS on their registered number. Once all doses have been administered, a certificate based on a QR code will also be sent.
Can a person who currently has an active and symptomatic infection be vaccinated?
People with active and symptomatic infection may increase the risk of spreading it at vaccination sites.
Also, we don’t know how effective the vaccine will be in such a situation. For this reason, I believe that people with infection should postpone vaccination for at least 14 days after symptoms resolve.
Is it necessary for a person recovered from Covid to receive the vaccine?
Yes, it is advisable to receive the full vaccination schedule regardless of the history of Covid-19 infection. This will help you develop a better immune response against the disease.
If one is taking drugs for diseases like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, etc., can one get vaccinated?
Yes, I think it is very important that these people get vaccinated because they are high risk groups. It is important that they understand that medications will not affect how well the vaccine works.
Any preventive measures / precautions to be followed on the session site?
Yes, I would ask you to rest for at least half an hour after getting vaccinated. If you have any discomfort or symptoms, please inform the nearest authorities so that they can assist you.
Will the vaccine be safe since it is being tested and introduced in a short period of time?
The vaccines will be introduced in India only after regulatory bodies authorize it for safety and efficacy. This time, all the standard precautions taken in the past for vaccine approval will also be taken.
Will the vaccine introduced in India be as effective as those introduced in other countries?
Yes. The vaccine introduced in India will be as effective as any vaccine developed by other countries. Several phases of trials are carried out to ensure safety and efficacy.
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