An Overview of who can and cannot take the Covid-19 Vaccine
And who should consult a doctor before getting it.
While the Covid-19 pandemic is still active across the globe, we now have one major weapon against this virulent disease – the Covid-19 vaccine.
Lots of vaccines have been developed around the world. However, in India, three vaccines are currently available, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield, and the Russian Sputnik V.
In India, a nation-wide vaccination drive started on 16 January 2021, and over a number of phases, different groups of people have become eligible to get the vaccine.
To get the vaccine, one needs to register on the CoWIN Portal, or the Aarogya Setu app.
Who is eligible to take the Covid-19 vaccine?
Currently, almost everyone above the age of 18 is eligible to get the vaccine in India.
PHASE 1
The first phase of vaccination began on 16 January 2021 and involved frontline workers, like healthcare professionals and other essential workers such as police, paramilitary forces, and sanitation workers.
PHASE 2
The second phase from 1 March 2021 made the vaccine eligible to all individuals above 60 years, as well as those above the age of 45 with comorbidities (such as diabetes, heart conditions, HIV, or some types of cancers).
PHASE 3
During the third phase, from 1 April 2021, everyone above the age of 45 became eligible for the shot.
PHASE 4
From 1 May 2021, the government opened vaccinations to everyone above 18 years of age.
PHASE 5
All individuals above the age of 15 or whose birth year is 2007 are eligible for self-registration and vaccination.
Who is not eligible to take the vaccine?
However, there are still some people who are not eligible to take the vaccine. These include:
- Children below the age of 15 are not eligible for COVID vaccination.
- People who have tested positive for Covid-19 – those who have tested positive for Covid before getting any doses must wait for 6-12 weeks after recovery to get their first dose. On the other hand, those who test positive after the first dose and before the second should wait for 4-8 weeks after recovery for the second dose.
Who should consult a doctor before getting the Covid-19 vaccine?
Not everyone needs to consult with their doctor and ask them whether it is safe to take the vaccine jab or not before getting their Covid vaccines, but some people do. These include:
- People with medical conditions – those who have underlying medical conditions (or comorbidities) like hypertension, diabetes, kidney illnesses, or heart disease.
- Pregnant and lactating women – though it is safe for most pregnant and lactating women to take the vaccine, they still need to consult with their gynaecologist and/or paediatrician before making any decision.
- People who already have severe allergies – those who have a history of anaphylactic or allergic reactions to vaccines, other injections, medicines, or any food items, must talk to their doctor about whether or not they should get the vaccine.
- People with autoimmune disorders – those with autoimmune disorders like lupus, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, or psoriasis already have sensitive immune systems, so they need to consult with their doctors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of vaccines available in India?
Currently, there are three vaccines approved for use in India. At the start of the vaccine programme in late 2020, two vaccines were approved for emergency use in India – Covishield, and Covaxin. In April 2021, a third vaccine was approved for use, Sputnik V.
Do I need to take a Covid test before getting the vaccine?
While it is not required to take a Covid test before getting vaccinated, some healthcare experts believe that “it is a logical step to conduct antibody tests” before vaccination, as it is possible to test positive for Covid-19 even if you’re not showing any symptoms (these are called asymptomatic cases).
In such cases, the vaccine protocol might differ a little, as they will need to wait for 6-12 weeks after testing negative to get their vaccine.
What are the side effects of the vaccine?
Even though the vaccines are safe for use, mild side effects are not uncommon. They are generally not any cause for concern, as they just indicate that a person's body is building up immunity to protect against Covid-19 and should go away within a few days.
You can expect side effects, such as:
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
If you notice any additional symptoms, or these symptoms persist beyond a few days, visit a doctor immediately for a check-up.
How long do I need to wait for the second dose of the vaccine?
Remember to take the second dose of the same vaccine as the first one. It is recommended that you take the second dose of Covaxin 4 to 6 weeks after the first dose.
For Covishield vaccines, the suggested interval is 4 to 8 weeks. However, experts now recommend widening the gap to 8 to 12 weeks, with a few even suggesting 16 weeks.
Should I still take the vaccine if I have already had Covid-19?
When you have recovered from Covid-19, the natural immunity you build will wane after a while. This is why it is still important to get the Covid-19 vaccine to fight the disease if you get re-infected.
Do I still need to follow the safety measures after vaccination?
Even after being vaccinated, you must still follow the correct Covid-19 protocols, such as social distancing and wearing masks. You might still become a carrier for the virus (even if you don’t see any symptoms) and pass it on to other people who have not been vaccinated.