Coronavirus vaccine FAQ: Answers to all your doubts are here

India is all set to roll out the first batch of Coronavirus vaccines in the next few days. Many of you have doubts regarding the vaccines and their efficacy. Here are answers to some of your Frequently Asked Questions.

Q: If one is taking medicines for an illness like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, etc., can s/he take the COVID-19 vaccine?

A: Yes. Persons with more of these comorbid conditions are considered a high-risk category. They need to get COVID-19 vaccination.

Q: Will the family of Healthcare providers/Frontline workers also be given the vaccine?

A: Due to the limited vaccine supply in the initial phase, it will first be provided to people in priority groups. In subsequent phases, the vaccine will be made available to all others in need.

Q: Are there any preventive measures & precautions that one needs to follow at the session site?

A: You must rest at the vaccination centre for at least half an hour after taking the COVID-19 vaccine

 

* Inform the nearest health authorities/ANM/ASHA in case you subsequently feel any discomfort or uneasiness

 

* Remember to continue following COVID Appropriate Behaviours like wearing masks, maintaining hand sanitization & physical distancing (of 6 feet or Do Gaj)

Q: Will COVID-19 vaccine be given to everyone simultaneously?

A: Government has identified high-risk groups to vaccinated on priority

* The first group includes healthcare & frontline workers

 

* The second group will be persons over 50 years & persons with comorbid conditions

 

* Subsequently, the vaccine will be made available to all others in need

Q: Will the vaccine be safe as it is being introduced in a short span of time?

A: Vaccines have been introduced in the country after the regulatory bodies cleared it based on its safety and efficacy

Q: Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?

A: Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntaryHowever, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine for protecting oneself & limiting the spread of the disease

Q: Out of the multiple vaccines available, how is one or more vaccine chosen for administration?

A: The safety & efficacy data from clinical trials of vaccine candidates are examined by the Drug Regulator before granting of the license. Hence, all the licensed COVID-19 vaccines will have comparable safety & efficacy

However, it must be ensured that that entire schedule of vaccination is completed by only one type of vaccine as different COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable

Q: Is it necessary for a COVID recovered person to take the vaccine?

A: It is advisable to receive a complete schedule of the vaccine irrespective of the past history of infection as it will help in developing a strong immune response.

Q: Can a person having COVID-19(confirmed suspected) infection be vaccinated?

A: Infected individuals should defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms resolution as they may increase the risk of spreading the virus to others at the vaccination site

Q: Does India have the capacity to store COVID vaccine at +2 to +8*C & transport them at required temperature?

A: India runs one of the largest immunization programmes in the world, catering to the vaccination needs of over 26 million newborns & 29 million pregnant women

The programme mechanisms are being strengthened to effectively cater to the country's large diverse population 

Q: How will I know if I am eligible for vaccination?

A: Eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number regarding the Health Facility for vaccination & its scheduled time

Q: What documents are required for registration of eligible beneficiary?

A: Any of the below-mentioned ID with Photo may be produced at the time of registration:

 

* Aadhar/Driving License/Voter ID/PAN Card/Passport/Job Card/Pension Document

 

* Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of

 

* Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

 

* Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs

 

* Passbooks issued by Bank/Post Office

 

* Service ID Card issued by Central/State Govt./Publiic Limited Companies

Q: Can a person get the COVID-19 vaccination without registration?

A: No, registration is mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination. Only after registration, the information on the session site & time will be shared

Q: If a person is unable to produce Photo ID at the session site, will s/he be vaccinated?

A: Photo ID is a must for both registration & verification at session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated
 

Q: How will the beneficiary receive information about the due date of vaccination?

A: Following online registration, the beneficiary will receive SMS on their mobile about the due date, place & time of vaccination

Q: Will beneficiaries receive information on their vaccination status after completion?

A: Yes. On getting due doses of COVID-19 vaccine, the beneficiary will receive SMS on their mobile number. After all doses of vaccine are administered, a QR code-based certificate will also be sent on their number

Q: What about the possible side-effects from COVID-19 vaccine?

A: COVID vaccine is safe and is introduced only after regulatory clearances from the appropriate authority

 

* As is true for other vaccines, the common side effects in some individuals could be a mild fever, pain, etc. at the side of the injection

 

* States have been asked to start making arrangements to deal with any COVID-19 vaccine-related side-effects

Q: How many doses of the vaccine would have to be taken & at what interval?

A: Two doses of vaccine, 28 days apart, need to be taken by an individual to complete the vaccination schedule

Q: When would antibodies develop after taking the dose?

A: Protective levels of antibodies are generally developed two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine