New Delhi (NVI): As India begins it roll out of COVID-19 vaccination subsequent to the drug regulators approving two vaccines, there are a lot of questions of general public that need clear answers.
The Union Ministry of Health has answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on safety of the vaccine, administration, vaccination guidelines.
– Is the vaccine safe, as it is being introduced in a short span of time?
Yes, a vaccine is introduced only after thorough testing. After vaccination you may get minor side effects like cold and fever, which is absolutely normal. It indicates that your body is building immunity.
– Will COVID-19 Vaccine be given to all simultaneously?
High risk groups have been identified and will be given the vaccine on priority. This is how the administration of vaccine will flow:
– First group will include health workers and frontline workers
– The second group will be persons over 50 years of age and persons with co-morbid conditions.
– Then on, the vaccine will be made available to all others in need.
– Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?
Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary. However, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of the COVID-19 vaccine for protecting oneself and limiting the spread of the disease.
– Should a COVID-19 recovered person to take the vaccine?
It is advisable to receive a complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine irrespective of the past history of COVID-19 infection as it will help in developing a strong immune response.
– Can a person having COVID-19 infection – either confirmed or suspected, be vaccinated?
Infected individuals should defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms are resolved as they may increase the risk of spreading the virus to others at the vaccination site.
– How will I know if I am eligible for vaccination?
Eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile numbers regarding the Health Facility for vaccination and its scheduled time.
– If one is taking medicines for illnesses like Cancer, Diabetes, Hypertension, etc., can s/he take the COVID-19 vaccine?
Yes. These are high risk category persons and MUST take the vaccine.
– Which are the two COVID-19 Vaccines approved in India?
Oxford COVID-19 Vaccine “COVISHIELD”, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India has already been approved for regular vaccination and the indigenously developed “COVAXIN” from Bharat Biotech have been currently approved for emergency use in the country.
Around 3 lakh healthcare workers will be inoculated at 2,934 sites across the country on the first day of the massive nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive which is set to begin from January 16,
Each vaccination session will cater to a maximum of 100 beneficiaries and the Union Health Ministry has advised states not to organise “unreasonable numbers of vaccination per site per day”.
-CHK
