- Covaxin, Covishield only for 18 years and above
- Interchangeability or option of COVID 19 vaccines not permitted
- Ministry writes letter to all States and UTs
New Delhi: Vaccine shots of COVID 19 vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield, are not permitted for women who are pregnant and on lactation, says Union Health Ministry. Vaccine is also permitted only for 18 years and above, clearly informing the States and UTs. The decision was taken by Health Ministry as they are not part of vaccine trials of anti-corona virus so far.
After the administration of first dose of COVID 19 vaccine, if required, should be separated from other vaccines by an interval of 14 days, says Ministry. There will be no interchangeability or option for COVID 19 vaccine and second dose should also be the same one which was given as the first dose, Ministry further clarified. Precautions and contradictations were listed by Ministry with fact sheets for both vaccines stating information on vaccine platform, dosage, storage temperatures, requirements for storage and minor side effects if any.
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Health Ministry came up with a caution if any person with a history of allergic or anaphylactic reactions to prior dose of COVID 19 vaccine and in those with immediate or delayed onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccine or injectable therapies, pharma products, food items , among others.
For persons with history of internal bleeding or coagulation disorder or platelet disorder, vaccine should be administered with caution, letter reads. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch India’s massive COVID 19 vaccination drive via video conference on Jan 16th.
Mild effects as said by SII after taking Covishield might be, headache, fatigue, malaise, pyrexia, chills, nausea, pain at injection site and tenderness at injection site.
COVAXIN side effects will be headache, fatigue, body pains, mild fever, tremor, sweating, dizziness, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, cold,cough.
Paracetamol can be taken for symptomatic relief from post vaccination adverse reactions as per the letter by Ministry.
Also Read: COVID vaccination drive in India from Jan 16
