Table of Contents
- What is a COVID vaccine?
- What vaccines are available in India?
- How to register for COVID vaccines?
- Common problems faced by consumers
What is a COVID vaccine?
To tackle the mass outrage caused by the novel Coronavirus in 2019, many reliable biotech companies came with an effective game-changing tool to put a full stop to the pandemic. After getting vaccinated, it does not mean we are immune from the virus. We have to follow the basic protocol of social distancing, wear masks, wash hands from time to time, and ensure proper ventilation.
COVID vaccines are safe and effective. These are manufactured with standards, authorised by national regulators and then distributed. Since these were developed in the past few months, it will be too early to say these vaccines are fully effective. Yet, the tested data is encouraging and suggests that people are somewhat immune to this virus after getting vaccinated.
What vaccines are available in India?
Three vaccines are allowed by the Government of India. They are:
COVAXIN: Developed in a high containment facility by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research and National Institute of Virology, COVAXIN is an indigenous, inactivated and effective vaccine for the COVID-19 virus.
COVISHIELD: COVISHIELD, developed by the Serum Institute of India, has proved to provide immunity against the novel Coronavirus.
SPUTNIK: Developed in Russia and brought by Dr Reddy Laboratories in India, Sputnik registrations have also started in many metropolitan cities, and many have got their doses as well.
How to register for COVID vaccines?
Since the vaccines are less and the population so much, people are having trouble getting themselves vaccinated. Do not worry anymore! Just follow the steps, register and get the jab!
Step 1:- Check the vaccine slots available on https://www.cowin.gov.in/. One can search by PIN code (the quickest option), by district, and by MAP (the lengthiest option).
Step 2:- Sign in/register to the CoWIN web portal. Follow the link to do the same. https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/
Step 3:- Once you get the OTP, log in to the portal. After login, you can add up to 4 family members from one mobile number using their Aadhaar cards. Register the members in the CoWIN portal.
Step 4:- Schedule dose 1 or 2 as required by searching the vaccine slots available in your area. And you are done! Visit the centre at the allotted time and date and get your vaccination done.
One can also register using the Aarogya Setu app and Umang app. The steps are the same as those in the CoWIN portal.
Common problems faced by the consumers
I am not getting OTP while registering in the CoWIN app. What should I do?
Due to network congestion, one might not get the OTP in the CoWIN app. Try to log in from the PC/laptop to get the OTP.
Are there any side effects of either of the vaccines?
There are no side effects on an individual after the COVID vaccine dose. The following symptoms can be seen usually after the vaccination for a day or two:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle pain
- Chills
- Diarrhoea
- Pain at the injection site
There are no other symptoms reported rather than these. If there is any severe trouble, one must visit the hospital as soon as possible.
I had to pay for the vaccine at the vaccination centre. Was that right?
The vaccine is free of cost at the Government allotted centres. While at the private hospitals, they can charge depending upon the cost of the vaccine. There are no charges for the application process. Only fees for the dose is applicable.
What must one do if not able to download the vaccination certificate?
If one cannot download the vaccine certificate from the CoWIN app, Umang, Digilocker and Aarogya Setu are other alternative apps for downloading the certificate. You can also download the certificate from the CoWIN portal from the PC/laptop using your registered mobile number, beneficiary ID and reference ID.
I am not getting SMS or the secret code at the vaccination centre. How to get that?
The secret code might have come at the time one has registered the dose at the portal. There is no need to get the code again at the vaccination centre as the secret code remains the same. You can also check the secret code in the registration certificate that you might have got at the time of registration.
Is there any other method to get registered if I am not able to register online?
Those who are unable to register online can visit the nearest local Government health centre for the registration, verification and vaccination on the same day. One has to carry their mobile phone and a photo identification document for the dose.
Citizens above the age of 45 can walk into the vaccination centre directly for their doses. But the people aged between 18 and 44 mandatorily have to book their slots before vaccination.
How to get the vaccine if you do not have an Aadhaar card?
One can take any photo identification from the following documents if not having Aadhaar card:
- Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- NPR Smart Card
- Pension document with photograph
- Service identity card issued by Govt. of India
How to find my second dose due date?
The due date is shown as soon as you log in to the CoWIN portal. You can also check your due date by downloading the certificate of dose 1 from the CoWIN portal. One can also look for the due date on the slip provided by the authorities at the time of dose 1.
Is there a need to book dose 2?
Citizens above 45 can directly walk-in at the vaccination centre, whereas citizens between 18 and 44 should register before getting dose 2. However, everyone should book doses 1 and 2 at the earliest for a hassle-free experience at the centre.
My second dose due date is about to expire. Can I get another vaccine dose?
One has to get the same vaccine that they got in the first place. You can look at other centres for the dose if the nearest centre is not having the slots before your due date expires.
I am having a high fever post-vaccination. What should I do?
One must contact the doctor in case of any discomfort after the vaccination. If necessary, take an over-the-counter medicine like ibuprofen, paracetamol, acetaminophen, aspirin or antihistamines. Inclusion of light diets, plenty of fluids, and light dressing can also help ease the pain and provide comfort for a better recovery.
Where to find FAQs related to vaccination? Is there any helpline number?
One can find all the details on the MOHFW official website. https://www.mohfw.gov.in/. Yes, there’s a helpline number +91-11-23978046 and a toll-free number 1075 for queries related to vaccines only.
