The Bengal health department has said Covid-19 vaccination for people above 59 and those between 45 and 59 with comorbidities is set to start across the state on Monday.
The Co-Win 2 app, the digital platform for Covid vaccination across the country, should be up and running from around Monday noon, officials of the department said. The app has to be used for online registration to get vaccinated.
Health department officials said they were not expecting all designated hospitals and clinics to start administering the doses to the two groups from Monday because of technical and logistical issues.
The state government has prepared a document with answers to some frequently asked questions. Metro takes a look at those questions and the answers.
Who are eligible for the doses?
People who turn 60 by January 1, 2022, and those between 45 and 59 and are suffering from comorbidities.
How to register?
One can register online by downloading the Co-Win 2 app. There is an option for on-the-spot registration in government hospitals. Facilitators at helpdesks in government hospitals will help you register through Co-Win. Prior registration is must for getting the doses at private hospitals. Appointments will close at noon on the day prior to the vaccination date.
If I cannot pre-register online, how do I register on the spot?
You can contact local government health workers, who will guide you to any government vaccination centre for on-the-spot registration and vaccination on the same day.
Is it necessary for a person who has recovered from Covid to take a vaccine?
It is advisable to receive the complete schedule of a Covid vaccine irrespective of past history of infection. This will help develop better immune response against the disease.
How many doses do I need to take?
Two doses at an interval of 28 days.
Can I choose a vaccine?
Covishield and Covaxin are the two vaccines approved in India for emergency use. You cannot choose your vaccine. Which vaccine will be given to you will be decided according to allocation.
Will I get the vaccine for free?
Vaccines will be given for free at government hospitals and clinics. Private hospitals can charge up to Rs 250.
Can I cancel my appointment?
Yes. But if you cancel the appointment for the first dose, the appointment for the second dose, too, will be cancelled. The option for cancellation of the appointment for the second dose will not be available.
What documents are needed for registration?
One of the following:
Aadhaar card/letter; electoral photo identity card; passport; driving licence; PAN card; NPR Smart Card; pension document with photograph. Carry the document used for registration to the vaccination centre.
How do I get to know the sites of vaccination?
The list of sites will soon be uploaded on the website www.wbhealth.gov.in. Besides, the list can also be seen during registration through Co-Win.
What are the comorbidities that make one eligible for the vaccine?
⚫ Heart failure with hospital admission in past year
⚫ Persons with devices implanted in the heart
⚫ Congenital heart disease
⚫ Coronary artery disease and other cardiac ailments
⚫ Angina and hypertension /diabetes on treatment
⚫ CT/MRI documented stroke
⚫ Pulmonary artery hypertension
⚫ Diabetes (more than 10 years or with complications) and hypertension on treatment
⚫ Kidney/liver/hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients or those on wait-list
⚫ End-stage kidney disease on haemodialysis/CAPD
⚫ Current prolonged use of oral corticosteroids/immunosuppressants
⚫ Decompensated cirrhosis
⚫ Severe respiratory disease with hospitalisations in last two years
⚫ Lymphoma /Leukaemia/ Myeloma
⚫ Diagnosis of any solid cancer on or after July 1, 2020, or currently on any cancer therapy
⚫ Sickle cell disease/bone marrow failure/aplastic anemia/Thalassemia major
⚫ Primary immunodeficiency diseases/HIV infection
⚫ Persons with disabilities due to intellectual disabilities /muscular dystrophy/acid attack with involvement of respiratory system/persons with disabilities having high support needs/multiple disabilities including deaf-blindness.
Who can certify that a person has comorbidity?
A medical practitioner registered with the Medical Council of India and the West Bengal Medical Council.
Do I need the certificate while taking the vaccine?
Yes, the recipient must carry the certificate to the vaccination centre.
Can I change/correct details later?
Details required during registration can be amended or deleted until the first dose of the vaccine has been given. After the first dose, no changes can be done except the date of the second dose (up to 42 days from the first dose).
Do I need to wear a mask after taking the vaccine?
Yes, one should continue to practice Covid-appropriate behaviours like wearing masks, washing or sanitising hands frequently and maintaining a physical distance of 6ft from another person.
