Centre aims to vaccinate 30 crore against Covid-19 in early phase, Government releases some FAQs on vaccination drive

FAQs on vaccination drive: As India prepares for the one of the world’s largest vaccination drive against Coronavirus infection early next year, Union Health Ministry has answered some common questions regarding the same. Government has set an aim to vaccinate approximately 30 crore people on priority in early phase of vaccination. Furthermore, multiple vaccine candidates will be inoculated against a single infection for the first time. 

Health Ministry said, “All the Covid-19 vaccines that receive license will have comparable safety and efficacy. However, it must be ensured that the entire schedule of vaccination is completed by only one type of vaccine as different Covid-19 vaccines are not interchangeable.”

Ministry also noted that it is advisable for all “recovered” Covid-19 patients to get the vaccine. It said, “It is advisable to receive a complete schedule of COVID vaccine irrespective of the past history of infection with Covid-19. This will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease.” 

Furthermore, Ministry also noted that all positive patients “should defer vaccination for 14 days after symptoms resolution as they may increase the risk of spreading the same to others at the vaccination site.” 

Health Ministry has stressed that two doses of vaccines must be taken 28 days apart to complete the vaccination schedule. The immunity worthy level of antibodies is only reached two weeks after getting the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine. 

The first phase of vaccination drive will cover priority group, which includes healthcare and frontline workers. Based on vaccine availability, people above age of 50 years can also receive the vaccine. In this group, 60 years and above age group will be administered first, and then 50-60 years age group. Regarding the beneficiaries being notified about vaccination, Ministry said, “The eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile number regarding the Health Facility where the vaccination will be provided and the scheduled time for the same. This will be done to avoid any inconvenience in registration and vaccination of beneficiaries.” 

Due to limited supply of vaccines, families of healthcare and frontline workers will be vaccinated in subsequent phases.

Ministry has made registration of beneficiaries mandatory. It said, “registration of the beneficiary is mandatory for vaccination…only after registration will the information on the session site to visit and time be shared…”

Common adverse reactions of vaccine have also been listed by the Ministry as fever and body ache. It said, “We request you to 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 feel any discomfort or uneasiness subsequently.” 

Documents that are required for registration are also listed by the Government. Any of the following ten documents can be presented – driving license, MGNERGA job card, PAN card, bank passbook, passport, voter ID, pension document, official IDs of MPs/MLAs/MLCs, government issued service ID card and health insurance smartcard issued by Ministry of Labour. It also noted, “Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at the session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.”