Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Vaccination in India

Which COVID-19 vaccines are licensed in India?

Two vaccines that have actually been given emergency situation use authorization by the Central Drugs Criterion Control Company (CDSCO) in India are Covishield ® (Ast raZeneca’s vaccination made by Lotion Institute of India) and also Covaxin ® (manufactured by Bharat Biotech Limited).

Is COVISHIELD® same as the injection been given up UK by Astrazeneca?

Yes, Covishield® vaccine, made by the Lotion Institute of India, is based on the very same patent technology as the Astrazeneca vaccination.

Do I have an option of vaccination I will get?

The vaccination is provided to different parts of India according to accessibility and also circulation plan, beneficiaries load therefore presently the option of choice of vaccination is not readily available.

What is the dosage schedule of both the vaccines?

The time interval between 2 dosages of the Covishield vaccine has been expanded from four-six weeks to twelve-sixteen weeks. The 2nd dose of Covaxin can be taken 4 to 6 weeks after the initial.

Is it compulsory to take the vaccination?

Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary. It is advisable to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine for protecting oneself against this disease and also to limit the spread of this disease to the close contacts including family members, friends, relatives and co-workers.

Out of the numerous injections available in the world, how are several vaccine chosen for administration?

The safety and security as well as efficiency information from medical tests of vaccination prospects are analysed by Medication Regulatory authority of our country before approving the certificate for the exact same. So far only two companies have been given permission. Hence, all the COVID-19 vaccines that obtain license will have similar safety and efficiency. Nonetheless, it has to be made sure that the entire schedule of vaccination is completed by just one sort of vaccine as different COVID-19 vaccines are not interchangeable.

Does India have the capability to keep the COVID-19 vaccination at temperature level of +2 to +8 degree Celsius as well as transfer them at needed temperature level?

India runs among the largest Immunization programme worldwide, dealing with the vaccination requirements of greater than 26 million infants and 29 million expecting females. The programme mechanisms are being strengthened/geared as much as effectively accommodate the country’s huge and varied population.

What is the safety and effectiveness of the vaccinations made use of in the country?

To guarantee that a vaccine is secure, we require to try it on a great deal of individuals. The injection designers have actually not lowered the sample size at any kind of phase of professional tests instead it was bigger than what we usually evaluate a vaccine on.

When an injection is examined, most of the unfavourable occasions or undesirable impacts, if any type of, happen in the very first 4 to 6 weeks of its administration. So, in order to guarantee that it is risk-free, we maintain a close watch, for the very first two-three months, on the people it has actually been given to. This data help us determine if an injection is risk-free. All concerned in the line of vaccination growth, screening as well as assessment have adhered to these treatments to the T. Both Indian injections are taken into consideration secure on this benchmark.

When it comes to the effectiveness of the injection, we need time to inform exactly how effective a vaccine is. All the international firms have established the criteria that only those injection candidates which show an efficiency of at least 50-60% will be certified. Most of the vaccines have actually shown an efficiency of 70-90% within the short period of a couple of months of monitoring. Besides when an injection is given in an emergency situation usage authorizations/permission for limited usage, as when it comes to the COVID-19 injection, the trial follow-up proceeds for one-two years to examine the complete duration of defence the injection will certainly give.

Which vaccine is much better between Covisheild as well as Covaxin?

There is no head-to-head contrast done in between the two vaccines being made use of in India so one can not choose one over the other. Both would work great in protecting against the infection in addition to avoid an individual from entering into extreme state of the disease. As a lasting result, it would certainly be protecting against fatality for elderly individuals or those that have comorbidities.

What are the contraindications for this vaccination?

What medicines should be prevented before taking COVID-19 injection as well as for the length of time?

Currently, there is no such direction. One can take one’s normal drug on and on. Just notify the vaccinator concerning the medicines you consume.

Is the vaccine contraindicated in people with chronic illness?

Persistent diseases and morbidities like the cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, metabolic, kidney  etc. are not contraindicated. The benefit of COVID-19 vaccines is to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 disease and death for those who have these comorbidities as taking the vaccine makes the disease milder in intensity, if one contracts it.

If one is taking medications for health problems like Cancer, Diabetes mellitus, Hypertension etc, can s/he take the COVID-19 vaccine and/or If I deal with HTN/DM/CKD/ heart disease/lipid problems and so on, can I securely take this injection?

Yes, persons with one or more of these comorbid problems are thought about among the high risk group. They need to get COVID-19 vaccination. In general, the injection is secure and also effective in adults with comorbidity. The maximum advantage of obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine is for those that have such co-morbidities. However, if you are worried for any type of details factor, please consult your medical professional.

In how many days will the vaccination produce an appropriate immune feedback and also protection?

It takes almost 2-3 weeks after completion of entire vaccination schedule i.e., after the second dose of COVISHIELD ® and also COVAXIN ® to achieve an immune response which is appropriate.

Is it essential for me to receive the exact same vaccination throughout 2nd dosage?

As the vaccines available are not compatible, it is necessary to obtain the 2nd dose of very same vaccine as the initial one. The Co-WIN portal will assist to ensure that everyone obtains the exact same injection.

Do I require to make use of the mask/other COVID-19 proper precautions after getting the vaccination?

Yes, it is definitely needed that everybody who has gotten the COVID-19 vaccination ought to adhere to the COVID-19 appropriate practices i.e. face mask, 2 feet social distancing and also hand sanitization to protect themselves as well as those around from spreading the infection.

What is the possible the length of time I will remain secured after vaccination?

Long life of the immune action in immunized individuals is yet to be established. Continuing the use of masks, handwashing, physical distancing and other COVID-19 appropriate behaviours is strongly recommended.

What preventative measures I need to take after getting the vaccination?

Both the vaccinations are risk-free; however in case of any type of discomfort or problem, ask the beneficiary to visit the nearby health facility and/or call the health worker whose contact number is given up the Co-WIN SMS obtained after vaccination.

Should you avoid alcohol after obtaining the COVID-19 vaccine?

As per specialists, there is no proof of alcohol hindering the efficiency of the vaccine.

Where should I sign up for the inoculation?

Register on the Co-WIN Website as well as schedule your inoculation consultation. https://www.cowin.gov.in/home

How can I pre-register myself via the online for an appointment for inoculation?

On-line registration as well as visit can be planned and booked with Co-WIN website.

You will need to provide some fundamental information about yourself and also details of your picture identification card to obtain signed up online.

With one cell phone number, one can sign up 4 individuals, nevertheless, each person will certainly need their very own image recognition record.

If Aadhar card is utilized as identification paper, authorization will certainly be acquired as well as recorded.

Through the portal, you can learn the listing of available CVCs as well as days and also time of readily available inoculation slots, to book a visit based on your choice. You will certainly need an OTP confirmation prior to enrolment as well as a confirmation slip/token will certainly be created after registration. You will certainly additionally get a confirmatory SMS later.

For all Private Hospitals, prior enrolment and appointment will certainly be the only approach of registration.

For Government hospitals, a percentage of slots will be offered for online registration and also appointment; the rest will certainly be kept for on-site enrolment and vaccination.

If I cannot pre-register myself online, how do I sign up on the spot and also get immunized?

Those who do not have the means to get themselves registered online can contact their local Government health workers, who will help the beneficiaries to the Government CVC for on the spot registration, appointment, verification and vaccination on the same day. Please ask your nearest Government health care worker to guide you about the nearest Government CVC where COVID vaccination will be available and the days of the week when this will be available. Please carry your mobile phone and a photo identification document to get yourself vaccinated. The workers in the Government CVC will help you to register on the spot, get appointment and get vaccinated on the same day. The same facility will be provided by private hospitals.

Different rules pertain for different categories. Please check on the official website for the latest.

What documents are required for registration of eligible beneficiary?

One of the below mentioned ID with Photo can be shown at the time of registration:

• Aadhaar Card
• Driving License
• Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
• Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Job Card
• Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
• PAN Card
• Passbooks issued by Bank/Post Office
• Passport
• Pension Document
• Service Identity Card issued to employees by Central/ State Govt./ Public Limited Companies
• Voter ID

Is there a charge for vaccination?

Vaccination is available free of cost in government facilities. Different charges exist in private hospitals.

This Information has been collated from information provided on the official website of Health Ministry of India