All that we know about the COVID shots from the health ministry

When can I register for the vaccine? Should I take it if I've already had COVID? What if I am a cancer patient? Government answers these and other common queries.

Will Covid-19 vaccination be administered to all at the same time?

The Government has identified those who are most vulnerable to the infection and priority will be given to them. 

  • Firstly to the healthcare workers and then to the frontline workers.
  • In the second phase, the vaccine will be administered to those above 50 years and those below 50 years with a history of high blood pressure, heart ailments, diabetes and other comorbid conditions.
  • Later, depending on the need, Covid-19 vaccination will be administered to others in a phased manner.

The vaccine has been developed  in a very short time, is it safe to be taken?

The safety and the process has been introduced only after validation and clearance by the Regulatory  board functioning under the Central Government. 

Is it compulsory to take the Covid-19 vaccine?

The vaccination will be given to people only upon their own consent. However, to contain the spread of the virus and as a safety precaution, it is advisable to take the vaccine.

Is it necessary for someone who has recovered from the Covid-19 infection to take the vaccination?

It is recommended for people who have also recovered from the infection, as per the specified norms. This will help build the immune system.

How about someone who has just been confirmed of the infection or with symptoms of the virus?

As the risk of spreading the virus is high when they visit  the vaccination camp, those who have just recovered or in the 14 day post quarantine period, should avoid taking the vaccine in this period. 

How was the vaccine chosen from the many that are available today for Covid-19?

The post vaccine report of the volunteers to whom the vaccine was administered were evaluated  for safety and the performance parameters by the Drug Controller General of India. The  Central Government has confirmed that the licence was granted only after analysis of this report. Hence, all the licensed vaccines have been tested for safety before being introduced to the public.

However, only one type of vaccine should be taken as per the specifications. No two vaccines should be administered at each stage.

Do we have the infrastructural capability to store the vaccine in 2-8°C, and then transport the same to the camp in the required temperature conditions?

Yes. India is the only country in the world to implement the vaccination plan at this scale. The vaccine is being given to over 26 million infants and 29 million  pregnant women.  This, by far, is the  largest outreach programme to vaccinate various sections of the society, in a planned manner.

Does the vaccine introduced in India have the same performance capabilities like in other countries?

Yes, the Covid-19 vaccine introduced in India is as good as any other vaccine in the developed countries. The vaccine has been introduced only after a complete assessment for its safety and performance capabilities. 

How do I know if I am eligible to take the vaccine shot?

The eligible beneficiaries will be informed through the registered mobile numbers regarding the health facility where the vaccine will be provided and the health schedule.

What documents does one need for vaccination?

Documents such as driving licence, health insurance, smart card issued by the Ministry of Labour, MNREGA guarantee card, MNREGA job card, official identity card issued by MPs, MLAs, PAN card, passbook of bank or post office, passport, pension documents, service identity card issued to employees by central/state government or public limited companies, and Voter ID cards can be used for registration.

Can vaccination be taken without registration?

No, It is mandatory to register for taking the vaccination. Only post registration, the details on the health facility and time will be shared.

Can the vaccine still be administered in the absence of the valid document at the camp?

To ensure that the right person has been administered the vaccine, a photo ID  is required at the time of registration and for verification at the camp. 

How will one get the details on the assigned date for vaccination?

The vaccine is being administered now to the priority groups.  The general public will be able to register for the vaccine only upon the announcement of the Central Government. Once the registration is open, the general public will be able to enrol for vaccination. 

Will the beneficiaries get updates on the post vaccination details?

On getting the dose of the vaccine, the beneficiary will receive an SMS at the registered mobile number. After all doses of vaccine are administered, a QR code certificate will also be sent to the registered mobile number of the beneficiary.

What are the preventive measures / precautions to be taken post administering the vaccine?

You should rest for at least half an hour after taking the Covid-19 vaccine. Any symptoms or discomfort must be reported to the nearest ANM or ASHA worker.

Most importantly, you should continue to wear a mask, practice hygiene, and maintain social distancing at all times, even after you have received the dose.

What are the possible side-effects?

The Central Government has clarified that the vaccine has been introduced only after all parameters have been checked. As is true for other vaccines, some recipients may show some side effects like mild fever, pain at the site of injection, body pain etc. States have been asked to make arrangements to deal with any COVID-19 vaccine related side effects as one of the measures towards safe vaccine delivery.

Can someone  who is on medication for illnesses like cancer, diabetes, hypertension etc take the vaccine?

Individuals who have one or more comorbid conditions should take the vaccine because they are part of the high-risk group. The medication will not interfere with vaccine efficacy.

Will the vaccine be administered to the families of healthcare and frontline workers?

The vaccine will be given first to the priority groups identified. Depending on the availability, the vaccine will be given to others as per the need

How many doses of the vaccine should be taken by an individual and at what interval?

Two doses of vaccine, 28 days apart, are needed. This should be taken to complete the vaccination schedule.

[This FAQ has been prepared on the basis of information shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on various channels]

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Comments:

  1. M says:

    Vaccines cannot protect from a mutating virus. Vaccines create only health problems. Healthy people who eat healthy food do not need any vaccines ever.

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