Covid-19 vaccine. (Representative image)The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC) has shared fresh recommendations regarding Covid-19 vaccination with the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
These recommendations have been based on the evolving situation of the Covid-19 pandemic and emerging global scientific evidence and experience.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has accepted these recommendations, which are as follows, and has communicated these to the States and Union Territories (UT).
Deferring the Covid-19 vaccination by three months after recovery in individuals having lab test proven SARS-2 Covid-19 illness; In SARS-2 Covid-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma; Individuals who have received at least the first dose and got Covid-19 infection before completion of the dosing schedule.
The expert group also recommended that persons with any other serious general illness requiring hospitalization or ICU care should also wait for four to eight weeks before getting the Covid-19 vaccine.
Regarding blood donation, the expert group recommended that an individual can donate after 14 days of either receipt of Covid-19 vaccine or testing RT-PCR negative, if suffering from Covid-19 disease.
In another big development providing clarity to many families, Covid-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women.
There is no requirement for screening of the vaccine recipients by rapid antigen test (RAT) prior to Covid-19 vaccination.
Regarding Covid-19 Vaccination of pregnant women, the matter is under discussion and further deliberation by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).
The Union Health Ministry has written to States and UTs to direct the concerned officials to take note of these recommendations and undertake necessary action for their effective implementation.
“States have been advised to ensure effective dissemination of the information to service providers as well as the general public, through use of all channels of information and communication in the local languages. States have also been advised to undertake training of the vaccination staff at all levels,” the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.
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