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What to Consider When Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine

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Feb 25, 2021

What to Consider When Considering the COVID-19 Vaccine

Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have experienced that older people are at a higher risk of severe COVID-19 outcomes. With the vaccine becoming available to seniors in March ‘21, here’s what we know.

The COVID-19 vaccine is now available across India and in most parts of the world. While distribution numbers are varying from state to state, all state authorities have been directed to prioritize senior citizens, and especially those with comorbidities. People in this age group—who are likely to have multiple chronic conditions, who may be generally frail, or living in a co-inhabited space like a nursing home—are advised to take the vaccination urgently.

Vaccine Update

About 42% frontline workers have already received the first dose of the COVID vaccine. Nine states have achieved 60%+ coverage since 2 ^nd Feb, when inoculation of this category was started. Further, 64.7 lakh+ health & 41.1 lakh+ frontline workers have received the first doses. Among those who have completed 4 weeks since the first dose, 62% were given the second dose as well.

Now, people aged 50 and above and those with comorbidities are likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine from March 2021. States have been advised to prepare public health facilities — tertiary-level medical colleges, district and taluk hospitals and health centers. For age criteria, electoral rolls data would be used. For those below 50 with comorbidities, health departments may use health watch survey, but concrete guidelines are awaited in this regard. Certain comorbidities may be captured in the survey itself.

Access to the Vaccine

While the government is ensuring that the vaccine is made affordable to all those who in need, the Serum Institute of India has reportedly stated that the vaccine will be sold in the market at an MRP of Rs. 1,000 per shot. In the case of senior citizens and people working in a high-risk environment, the government is considering an emergency authorization procedure.

How to Register

As per reports, the Centre’s Co-WIN app — will be used for self-registration by the priority group of those above 50 years of age. Co-WIN 2.0 is a hybrid model which will allow people to self-register for the vaccination process. A key feature of this app is that beneficiaries will have the option of choosing the date and time for the vaccination. It has been reported that Co-WIN App may be usable by the general public by March-end.

Fraud Alerts

It has been noticed that some fraudsters are using vaccine availability as an opportunity to scam people – especially senior citizens. Reports have poured in of people receiving phishing emails, calls and text messages with links seeking registration for vaccination. These links lead to sites requiring individuals to enter personal details like bank account number, credit/debit card number, date of birth, Aadhar/ PAN number, etc.

Some are even getting calls from a so-called 'Drug Authority of India.' These miscreants try to collect personal details using fake identity. The government is consistently issuing a warning to be vigilant about such fake vaccination registrations.

Moreover, all these vaccination sites will be GPS-coordinate-embedded in the Co-WIN system. Once a person logins on to the system, he/she will be able to locate the nearest vaccination site as per the locality/residence. The person can also see whether it is a public or private hospital.

While we can’t be certain by when the COVID-19 vaccine will be available everywhere; but for now, until we can get the vaccine more widely distributed to the public, it should not change your behavior. Wearing a face mask, physical distancing, regular washing of hands, and staying home when sick are still important rules to follow.

For more information on India’s vaccination program, click here.

Disclaimer:

This blog article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified health provider with any medical questions you may have.

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