Above 45 years? It’s time to take the Covid-19 Vaccine

On the 1st of April 2021, the Government of India launched the third phase of its Covid-19 vaccination drive. If you are 45 years or above, you’re now eligible to take the Covid-19 vaccine (the previous requirement for a co-morbidity certificate no longer applies). With India now dealing with a fast-spreading second wave of Covid-19, EARLY VACCINATION IS CRITICAL to breaking the chain of transmission and protecting ourselves and our families

Registration for the Vaccine: if you need help with vaccine registration please contact the Jamati Helpline at 8879 700 800. Or contact your local AKHB,I member.

Registering for the vaccine is easy and can be done in three ways:

  1. First: you can register on the Co-WIN portal: https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/ 
     
  2. Second: download the Aarogya Setu app and register using the Vaccination tab. Click here to download the app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nic.goi.aarogyasetu&hl=en_...
     
  3. Third: Some vaccination centres allow for a limited number of on-the-spot registrations. However, we recommend that you always register and book an appointment in advance as wait times for spot registration can be lengthy.

After you have registered, you will be able to choose a date and time for your vaccination appointment at a centre that is convenient for you. Once you have chosen a date and time, you will receive an SMS on your registered mobile number with details of the vaccination centre, the date and the time of your appointment. Keep this confirmation safely as you will need this on the day of your appointment. 

Which ID documents can be used for registration:  Any one of the following ID documents can be used for vaccine registration: 

  1. Aadhaar card
  2. Driving License
  3. PAN card
  4. Passport 
  5. Pension Passbook 
  6. NPR Smart Card 
  7. Voter ID Card

Available vaccines and dosage requirements:
Two vaccines: Covishield and Covaxin have been authorised for use in India. Both vaccines are administered in two doses and you must take both doses of the same vaccine for the full benefit of the vaccine’s immunity.

Based on revised guidance from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare:

  • It is recommended that the second dose of Covaxin should be taken within 4 to 6 weeks of the first dose 
  • It is recommended that the second dose of Covishield be taken within 4 to 8 weeks of the first dose.

The Co-WIN system or Aarogya Setu will not provide any reminders for your second dose. Therefore, make a note on when you took your first dose and schedule an appointment for your second dose accordingly.

How much does the vaccination cost? 
At private hospitals and private vaccination facilities, the vaccine costs Rs.250 per dose. At government hospitals and government-run centres, the vaccine is provided free of cost.  

What should I do on the day of my appointment?
1. Wear a short-sleeve shirt or kurta 
2. Eat a proper meal before your appointment
3. Wear your mask and carry hand sanitizer
4. Carry a list of all your medication. If you are asked about your medical history at the vaccination centre, you can provide this list.
5. Carry the ID card used at the time of registration 

Will I experience any side-effects after the vaccine? 
Side effects after vaccination are common. These include: fever, body ache, headache and pain in the arm where the injection was taken. Side effects can last for a few hours or up to 2 to 3 days and can usually be treated with paracetamol. If you experience any side effects after the vaccine, speak to your doctor or call the Jamati Helpline at 8879 700 800. 

When will I get a vaccine certificate?
After your first dose, you will receive an electronic vaccine certificate via SMS on your registered mobile number. This will state your name, your ID number and will confirm that you have received your first dose. You will receive an updated certificate after your second dose. Download and keep a print out of this certificate – you may need it in the future for travel or insurance purposes. 

Still have questions? Check out these useful links:

  1. Q&A on Covid-19 Vaccination: Dr. Sulaiman Ladhani and Dr. Seema Popatia: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXNJMaSWo-c 
     
  2. FAQs on Vaccine Registration: https://www.cowin.gov.in/faq 
     
  3. FAQs for Healthcare and Frontline Workers: https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/FAQsforHCWs&FLWs.pdf