From eligibility to side-effects, all your questions about COVID-19 vaccination answered

As India's drug-regulator approved two COVID-19 vaccines on Sunday, several concerns have emerged regarding the availability of the vaccines to the general people. To answer the questions, the health ministry shared a three-part video on social media, addressing all queries related to the vaccine

Here are all the queries answered by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) director Dr Randeep Guleria.

Is COVID-19 vaccine arriving soon?

Yes, vaccine trials are underway and they are on different stages on finalisation. Many vaccines are undergoing phase 3 trials and they are about to be completed. The government is ready to launch the vaccine once the regulatory board gives nod to them.

Will everyone receive the vaccine simultaneously?

This wholly depends on the availability of the vaccine. Based on risk factors, the government has set priority groups. The first group includes frontline healthcare workers, the second group includes people above age 50 along with those under 50 with the comorbid condition.

Is it mandatory for everyone to take the vaccine?

Since the availability of the vaccine is based on a priority list, taking the vaccine is voluntary. In order to protect ourselves, everyone it advised to take the complete schedule of the vaccine.

How many doses of the vaccine are needed and at what intervals?

Two doses of vaccine have to be taken 28 days apart.

When will antibodies develop in the body?

Generally, two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine, the protecting antibodies will develop in the body.

Is there any possible side effect of the vaccine?

Yes, after taking the vaccine we may experience feverishness and body aches. However, these side effects are common while taking any vaccine.

To ensure safe vaccine delivery, states have been asked to manage any kind of side effects.

What are the eligibility criteria for taking the vaccine? How will know if I am eligible or not?

In the beginning, the vaccine will be given to priority groups. However, the eligible beneficiaries will be informed with the registered mobile number regarding the health facility, place, time, and schedule for the vaccine. 

Will I get the vaccine without registration?

The registration is mandatory for everyone. The information related to the vaccine will only be shared with the person once he/she has been registered. For the convenience of the people, the government has announced a co-win application a digital platform for the real-time monitoring of vaccines.

What are the documents required for the registration process?

One of the following documents are required at the time of registration as identity proof

• Driving license 
• Health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of labour ministry, MGNERGA
• Pan card
• Official ID cards issued by MPs/MLAs/MLCs
• Passbook issued by bank/post office.
• Passport
• Pension document 
• Service Id card issued to employees by central / state government. 
• Voter ID
• Government / private company ID

What if I don’t have a photo ID?

Photo ID is necessary for registration as well as the verification process.

How will the beneficiary get informed about the next dosage of the vaccine?

Following the online registration, the beneficiary will receive the SMS on their registered mobile numbers on the due date, place, and time.

Is it necessary for a COVID-19 recovered person to receive the vaccine?

Yes, it is advisable to receive a vaccine even when you have recovered. This will build a better immune system.

Can a person having active symptoms of COVID-19 be vaccinated?

People with active symptoms may carry a high risk or spread the virus at vaccination centres. And the efficacy of the vaccine is yet to be known in such a situation.

It is advisable that people with infection should defer the vaccination for at least 14days after the symptoms are resolved.

Any precaution one needs to follow at the session site?

After receiving the vaccine, at least half an hour of rest is recommended. In case of any discomfort or symptoms, please inform the nearest authorities so that they can take care of it.

If one is taking medicine for an illness like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, etc. Can he or she take the vaccine?

In that case, that individual must take the vaccine because they are at high risk. 

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

Various phases of the trial are being undertaken to ensure efficacy and safety. So yes, the vaccine in India will be equally effective as a vaccine developed in other countries.

Will the vaccine be safe as it is being tested and introduced in a very short time.

The vaccine in India will only be introduced after the regulatory bodies clear its safety and efficacy.