As India begins it roll out of COVID-19 vaccination subsequent to the drug regulators approving two vaccines, there are a lot of questions that need clear answers. Here we try to bring out a few that are the regular ones - as issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

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. The recommendations of the Subject Expert Committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation have been taken into consideration by the Drugs Controller General of India, while approving the vaccine.

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.

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

The two vaccines have been introduced in the country only after the regulatory bodies have cleared them based on their safety and efficacy.

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.

Will the vaccine introduced in India be as effective as the ones introduced in other countries?

Yes. The COVID-19 vaccine introduced in India will be as effective as any vaccine developed by other countries as various phases of vaccine trials are undertaken to ensure its safety and efficacy.

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.

What documents are required for the registration of eligible beneficiaries?

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

• Aadhaar/Driving License/Voter ID/PAN Card/Passport/Job Card/Pension Document
• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
• MGNREGA
• Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
• Passport issued by Bank/Post Office
• Service ID card issued by Central/State Government/Public Limited Companies

Registration is mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination

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

Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification at the session site.

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

Following online registration, the beneficiaries will receive SMS on their mobile numbers about the due date, place and time of vaccination.

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.

What are the preventive measures that are needed to be followed at the vaccination site?

• Rest for 30 minutes after taking the vaccine
• Inform the nearest health authorities if you feel any discomfort or uneasiness after the vaccine is administered.
• COVID safety precautions need to be continued to be followed.

Are there any side effects of the vaccines?

COVID-19 Vaccine has been approved only after the safety of the vaccine is proven. Like any other vaccines in the past, there could be chances that the person might get mild fever OR pain at the site of the injection. Health authorities are anyways making arrangements to deal with COVID-19 vacine related side effects.

How many doses of the vaccine would have to be taken and at what interval?

Two doses of vaccine – 28 days apart, need to be taken to complete the schedule.

When will antibodies develop after taking the dosage

Protective level of antibodies are generally developed two weeks after the 2nd dose is given.