Things to know about the COVID-19 vaccination: Steps to follow

SHILLONG:

The vaccination drive scheduled to be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 16 is the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programme.

A total of three thousand six-session sites across all States and Union Territories will be virtually connected during the launch.

Around 100 beneficiaries will be vaccinated at each session site on the inaugural day.

Health Care workers, both in government and private sectors including ICDS workers, will receive the vaccine during the first phase.

The vaccination programme will use Co-WIN, an online digital platform developed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, which will facilitate real-time information of vaccine stocks, storage temperature and individualised tracking of beneficiaries for COVID-19 vaccine.

A dedicated 24x7 call centre - 1075 has also been established for addressing the queries related to COVID-19 pandemic, vaccine rollout and the Co-WIN software.

Adequate doses of both COVISHIELD and COVAXIN have already been delivered across the country to all States and UTs with the active support of the Ministry of Civil Aviation.

Also Read: About three lakh healthcare workers to get vaccine shots on Day 1 of COVID-19 inoculation drive

Frequently asked questions answered

Two doses of Vaccine, 28 days apart, need to be taken by an individual to complete the Vaccination schedule. Protective levels of antibodies are generally developed two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of COVID-19 Vaccine.

Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary. However, citizens are advised to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine for protecting one-self against this disease.

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.

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, said the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile numbers regarding the Health Facility for vaccination and its scheduled time.

COVID-19 vaccination is indicated only for 18 years and above.

COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines should be separated by an interval of at least 14 days.

Interchangeable of COVID-19 vaccine is not permitted. The second dose should also be of the same COVID-19 vaccine which was administered as the first one.

Persons with a history of Anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose of COVID-19 Vaccine should withhold the vaccine.

Persons with a history of Immediate or delayed-onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccines or injectable therapies, pharmaceutical products, food items, etc should withhold the vaccine.

Women who are pregnant or not sure of their pregnancy and lactating mothers should not receive the vaccine.

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