India holds the distinction of not only being the largest democracy in the world but also the second-most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with a whopping 18 million people infected thus far and over 2 lakh deaths reported. The need of the hour is vaccination, to prevent further rampant spread of COVID-19 infection, induce immunity towards coronavirus disease and ably combat the SARS-CoV-2 viral strain when it attempts to invade the body.

In this regard, the Government Of India has announced the third phase of the vaccination drive, in which all adults who are 18 years of age and older are eligible to get inoculated beginning from May 1, 2021. The registration process for the same will commence from 4 pm on April 28, 2021, on the Co-WIN website, the official COVID-19 vaccination portal of the Ministry Of Health And Family Welfare (MoHFW). https://www.cowin.gov.in/home

User Guide On The COVID-19 Vaccination Registration Procedure:

Step 1: Register mobile number on the Co-WIN website, or through the Aarogyasetu app or Umang app

Step 2: Enter personal details of name, age, upload identification documents (Pan Card/Aadhaar Card)

Step 3: Select nearby vaccination centre based on location and schedule the appointment

Step 4: Download the appointment confirmation and print a copy for reference

Step 5: Carry all required documents of personal ID, vaccine registration confirmation on the Co-WIN website to the medical centre and take the first shot

Note: Depending on which vaccine was taken – Covishield, Covaxin or Sputnik V, schedule an appointment for the second dose after 3 – 8 weeks and complete the COVID-19 vaccination process

List Of Vaccines Approved For Use In India:

The chief regulatory body in India, the Drugs Controller General Of India (DCGI), has authorised the use of three COVID-19 vaccines in India, namely Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V.

• Invented in the U.K. by Oxford University And AstraZeneca
• Manufactured in India by the Serum Institute in Pune, Maharashtra
• Route of administration: Intramuscular, given on the arm
• Gap between first and second dose: 4 to 8 weeks

• India’s first indigenous vaccine formulated by the Indian Council For Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute Of Virology (NIV) and Bharat Biotech
• Manufactured in India by Bharat Biotech in Hyderabad, Telangana
• Route of administration: Intramuscular, given on the arm
• Gap between first and second dose: 4 to 6 weeks

• Developed in Russia by the Gamaleya Research Institute Of Epidemiology And Microbiology
• Imported and sold in India by Dr Reddy’s Laboratories, Hyderabad, Telangana
• Route of administration: Intramuscular, given on the arm
• Gap between first and second dose: 3 weeks i.e. 21 days

Who Shouldn’t Get The COVID-19 Vaccine?

• People below the age of 18.
• Individuals suffering from high fever.
• Since clinical trials did not constitute pregnant women and lactating mothers hence, they should avoid getting jabbed.
• People showing active symptoms of Covid-19 (can take only after 4-8 weeks).
• Anyone who has had an anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose of Covid-19 vaccine (during trials).
• Anyone who has immediate or delayed-onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccines or injectable therapies.
• People suffering from acute illness and hospitalized even with non-Covid-19 related conditions (can only take after 4-8 weeks or after complete recovery).
• COVID-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.
• People who are immunocompromised due to chronic conditions like cancer, HIV infection or are on medicines that affect immunity should take a doctor’s approval before getting the Covid vaccines.
• Individuals with a bleeding disorder or who are on blood thinners should consult a doctor before getting vaccinated.
• People who have received some other Covid-19 (there should not be mix up of different 1^st and 2^nd shot vaccines).

How To Prepare For Vaccination?

There is no particular preparation for getting immunized again coronavirus. Chill! It is not the first time the world has seen or experienced vaccines.

However, if you have a history of serious allergic reactions to medications, infected with coronavirus in the last one-and-half month, currently pregnant, lactating mother and received blood plasma therapy or monoclonal antibodies, do not take the vaccine.

Dos And Don’ts After Getting Vaccinated:

• You will be asked to wait for 30 minutes after receiving the shot to make sure that there are no severe side effects.
• Some common side effects from vaccines like mild fever, rash at the site of injection, fatigue tend to occur. Don’t get anxious.
• If you are feeling severe discomfort like chest pain, difficulty breathing and other critical symptoms, seek immediate medical intervention.
• It will take at least 3 weeks for the antibodies to kick in. So, follow all precautionary measures like earlier.
• You can drink alcohol but in moderate amounts. Avoid smoking now and forever.

I Missed The Window For My Second Dose. What Should I Do?

Well, schedule it immediately. The good news is that you do not have to repeat the first shot.

At present, the option to choose your vaccine is not available. Vaccines are not interchangeable. You will get the same vaccine for the second dose as well.

How Do I Get My COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate?

• A provisional certificate will be available after taking the first shot. It comes with your name, age, photo, vaccine name, date, hospital name and other details. On completion of the second dose, you will be intimated by a link to download your vaccine certificate.
• Open the same portal or App where you registered the mobile number.
• Enter your beneficiary number and click on the Get Certification option.
• Download the certificate.

Click on this link to download the ebook on COVID-19 Vaccination