All you need to know about Phase 2 of COVID-19 vaccination

A frontline worker gets vaccinated at Nair hospital on Friday. Pics/Ashish Raje

India is gearing up for the second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination starting March 1 - when senior citizens over the age of 60 years and those over the age of 45 with comorbidities - will get the vaccine. Amid questions and doubts about the next leg in the massive exercise, mid-day spoke to Dr Suneela Garg, a member of the Lancet Commission's COVID-19 India Taskforce and also an advisor to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

A frontline worker gets vaccinated at Nair hospital's vaccination centre on Wednesday

As the launch of the second phase of COVID vaccination approaches, read on to get your questions answered.

How are citizens being identified/called?
Those who fall in either of the two categories should first register on the CoWIN or Aarogya Setu app. Then, they will be contacted by SMS via the app. If they are unable to register themselves, then they can walk into medical centres - which is the approach mostly in rural areas - where they will be guided and helped by healthcare workers. However, it is always preferable to register beforehand.

I am over 45 years old and my parents are over 60 years old. Will we get the same date?
In most such cases, since families register on the same day, there is a possibility of them being called on the same date.

Do senior citizens and those over 45 years need to watch out for side effects?
Everybody needs to keep an eye on side effects. Those with comorbidities should tell their doctors a few days in advance that they are going for the shot. If they notice anything abnormal, they must report to the vaccinating officer.

Where can I look up my nearest govt/civic/private hospital?
One can find these lists in newspapers or visit the health ministry's website.

Do I need to pay?
You will need to pay at private facilities (Rs 300-Rs 400), but not at government facilities that have been identified for Phase 2 distribution of the vaccine.

Can I choose between the two brands of vaccines?
No. People cannot choose between the two vaccines.

I don't have a smartphone. What do I do?
If you do not have a smartphone, you cannot register through the app(s). In that case, you will need to approach a healthcare worker, inform him/her that you want to be vaccinated, or opt to walk-in to a government or private centre and have the vaccine administered. The problem with walk-in, however, is that you might face a rush of people.

I have only a landline at home. What do I do?
You may call the health ministry helpline numbers although this will not help you register yourself on the CoWIN app.

I am old and I live alone. Will the govt provide transportation?
This is something that has to be confirmed from the helpline number. Transportation is not really an issue because these people can still call for a cab or an auto, as they would do in any other normal situation. We should treat the vaccination as any other normal event in our daily life.

How do I prove my comorbidity? Do I have to carry a doctor's certificate/note?
A certificate from a qualified medical practitioner (MBBS) must be carried to the facility, stating the comorbidities clearly. The same should be uploaded on the app.

What comorbidities qualify me for the shot?
Diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, cancer, neurological and chronic respiratory diseases.

Will private hospital data also reflect on the CoWIN app?
Yes.

Which ID can I carry to the centre?
Any valid ID card with your photo on it, such as your driver's license or Aadhaar card or passport. The ID card can also be issued by your company.

I am over 45 years old and a cancer survivor. Should I consult my oncologist before taking the jab?
Preferably, yes, you should consult your oncologist before taking the jab in case they have to stop your medication for a few days. The oncologist can advise best on what to do.