The Union Health Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday, 19 May, saying that individuals that have recovered from the coronavirus should wait for at least three months before getting vaccinated.
It added that patients that have received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma should also wait for at least three months after being discharged from the hospital to receive their jabs. Meanwhile, lactating women are recommended to take the vaccine.
“These recommendations have been based on the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging global scientific evidence and experience,” the Health Ministry’s statement further said. These proposals were made by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) which has been formally accepted by the ministry.
The guidelines went on to state that individuals that took the first dose of the vaccine and later contracted the virus should wait for three months after a clinical recovery to take the second dose.
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“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,” the ministry said.
“The 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 also been advised to undertake training of the vaccination staff at all levels,” the release noted.
As for the vaccination of pregnant women, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) continues to discuss the matter further.
Also read - COVID-19: BMC Extends Vaccine Global Tender Deadline Till May 25
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