Covid Vaccine: Should you take the shot? All queries answered

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on January 16 virtually launch the world's largest coronavirus vaccination drive. On Saturday, the Prime Minister will also launch the CoWIN application which will register and store Vaccination data. Here are answers to some questions on your mind at the moment.

If you are in line to get vaccinated in the first phase, read this first.
 

What is the first step before getting the vaccine?
 

One needs to first get registered on the CoWIN app and then carry either Aadhaar card or Voter ID card or PAN card or passbook with their photo printed on it as identity proof. MNREGA job card, driving license and passport are also acceptable.
 

Can I receive a vaccine shot without registering on the CoWin application?
 

No. You must get registered.

I registered myself on the CoWIN application. What next?
 

You will receive 4 SMSes on your phone. The first message will be to verify your registration. The second message will notify you about the date, time and venue of the vaccination. The third message will acknowledge the administering of the first dosage and inform you about the next date of the vaccine shot. The fourth message will give you a QR code-based certificate.
 

Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?
 

Vaccination for Coronavirus is voluntary but advisable to prevent the spread of the virus to close contacts.

Does taking the vaccine mean I will be totally immune from Coronavirus?
 

Not exactly. Even after taking the vaccine shot, you will have to still abide by Covid protocols.
 

What is the gap between two doses?
 

There will be a gap of 28 days between two doses.
 

When will the vaccine be effective from?
 

The effectiveness of the vaccine begins 14 days after the second dose.

Can I switch vaccines after one dose?
 

No. COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable. The entire schedule of vaccination must be completed with just one type of vaccine. 
 

What about side-effects?
 

There will be mild side-effects as is the case with any vaccine. The common side effects of some individuals could be mild fever and pain at the spot where the vaccine has been administered.

What if the side effects don't subside?
 

Protocols are in place for that. States have made arrangements to deal with any Covid-19 vaccine-related side-effects.
 

Can someone who is taking medicines for illnesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, etc take the COVID-19 vaccine?
 

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

Who gets the vaccine first?
 

Approximately 1 crore health workers will be vaccinated to start with followed by 2 crore frontline workers like police personnel, municipal workers, prison staff, disaster management volunteers, home guard and civil defence personnel, revenue workers and armed forces personnel.


The cost of vaccination of healthcare and frontline workers will be borne by the central government. Fifty-plus age group may also begin early based on vaccine availability.

How many doses of vaccine have been being procured by the Centre?
 

The government has ordered 110 lakh doses of Serum Insitute of India's Covishield vaccine at a cost of Rs 200 per dose. As for Bharat Biotech's Covaxin, the government will get 55 lakh doses of the vaccine at Rs 206 per dose.
 

Should those who have recovered from Covid-19 take the vaccine?
 

Yes. It is advisable irrespective of past history of infection with COVID-19.