Vaccination Alert: 3-Month Waiting Period For Those Who Recover From Covid-19, Govt's New Recommendation

These recommendations have been based on the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging global scientific evidence and experience.

(Images: PTI)

New Delhi: Amid vaccine shortage in view of the surge in coronavirus cases, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) has shared fresh recommendations regarding 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 and communicated these to the states and Union Territories.

Deferring the COVID-19 vaccination in the following scenario:

• Individuals having lab test proven SARS-2 COVID-19 illness: COVID-19 vaccination to be deferred by three months after recovery.
• SARS-2 COVID-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma: COVID-19 vaccination to be deferred by three months from the date of discharge from the hospital.
• Individuals who have received at least the 1st dose and got COVID-19 infection before completion of the dosing schedule: the second dose should be deferred by three months after clinical recovery from COVID-19 illness.
• Persons with any other serious general illness requiring hospitalization or ICU care should also wait for 4-8 weeks before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

 An individual can donate blood after 14 days of either receipt of COVID-19 vaccine or testing RT-PCR negative, if suffering from COVID-19 disease.

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.

The states have been advised to ensure effective dissemination of the information to service provides as well as the general public, through use of all channels of information and communication in the local languages. The states have also been advised to undertake training of the vaccination staff at all levels.