Starting 1 April, anyone who is above 45 years of age can get the COVID-19 vaccine in India, announced the government on Tuesday, 23 March.
India began the second phase of vaccinations against the novel coronavirus on 1 March, with people above 60 years of age and those above 45 with co-morbidities only eligible to get the jabs.
However, this changes now. With the involvement of private sector, change in registration process and eligibility for vaccination, here’s all that is different in the second phase, and all that can be expected as this second phase plays out.
Who can get vaccinated from 1 April?
Starting 1 April, all those who are above 45years of age, are eligible to get vaccinated. This is irrespective of whether the person has comorbidities or not.
I am eligible to get vaccinated in Phase 2. How do I register?
- Registration and booking for appointment for COVID-19 Vaccination is to be done through Co-WIN portal: http://cowin.gov.in.
- There is no mobile app for Co-WIN from which you can register. However, you can register via Aarogya Setu app.
- Registration is also possible on-site. You can walk in to an identified COVID Vaccination Centre and get yourself registered on-site and then vaccinated. Your details will be added to the Co-WIN 2.0 platform via this method as well.
How to register on Co-WIN?
- Click on ‘Register Yourself’
- Enter valid mobile number and click ‘Get OTP’
- OTP is sent via SMS
- Enter OTP and click on ‘Verify’
- Once OTP is validated, ‘Registration of Vaccination’ page opens
- Enter details required for registration
What documents do I need to register?
- Photo ID Proof – Citizen to choose appropriate card from drop down box
- Name
- Year of Birth
- Gender
- Comorbidities
Once the details are filled, you will get a confirmation message. You can add names of three others on Co-WIN portal by clicking on ‘Add More’ option.
Where can I get vaccinated?
In Phase 2, you can get vaccinated at designated COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs). These is not just government hospitals, but private hospitals empanelled under central and state government health insurance schemes as well, that have met the eligibility requirements.
Does this mean I can choose the site and date of vaccination?
Yes. The Co-WIN website displays vaccination sites based on the geo-coordinates of the person. You are likely to get the option to choose the date and the site, based on the availability of slots.
You can choose the ‘Schedule Appointment’ option and fill the following:
- State
- District
- Block (usually your area of residence)
- Pincode
I am on electoral roll in Tamil Nadu. But I work in Delhi. Can I get vaccinated in Delhi?
Yes, the government is providing the option to the beneficiary to get vaccinated in any state of the country, reported The Indian Express.
Therefore, a person from Tamil Nadu but working in Delhi, can get vaccinated in the national capital.
Is the vaccination be free of cost?
Not if you go to a private CVC. Only those inoculations in government vaccine centres will be free. Those who want to get vaccinated at private centres have to pay.
How much do I need to pay, if I want to get vaccinated at a private centre?
You have to pay Rs 250 per dose for COVID-19 vaccine.
How do I get my vaccination certificate?
Whatever form of registration is used, all beneficiaries are registered on the Co-WIN platform. Vaccination certificates will be issued in the form of digital QR codes – a provisional certificate on getting the first dose, and a final certificate on receiving their second dose.
Beneficiaries are also sent a link to download their certificates on SMS, or they have an option of taking a printout of their certificate from the vaccination centre.
Can I reschedule vaccination appointments made?
Yes, you are allowed to reschedule the vaccination appointment. However, this has to be done before the date of appointment.
Who is not eligible to get COVID-19 vaccine?
- Those below 18 years of age are not allowed to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
- Pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Those with allergic reactions to vaccines, pharmaceutical products, notable food allergies.
- Anyone who has had an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine earlier.
Who can temporarily not get COVID-19 vaccines?
- Persons showing active symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- COVID-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-Cov-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma.
- Acutely unwell and hospitalised patients (with or without intensive care) due to any illness.
- The vaccine should be given with “caution” to persons with a history of any bleeding or coagulation disorder – platelet disorder, clotting factor deficiency, or coagulopathy.
(With inputs from The Indian Express.)
(At The Quint, we question everything. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member today.)