WHO SHOULDNOT TAKE COVID-19 VACCINE

Who  can take the Covid-19 vaccine?

The answer is EVERYBODY except a few .

The vaccine is safe and effective in even people with known medical conditions associated with increased risk of severe disease, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver or kidney disease, as well as chronic infections that are stable and controlled.

Although further studies are required for immunocompromised persons, people in this category who are part of a group recommended for vaccination may be vaccinated after receiving information and counselling.Persons living with HIV are at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease. Known HIV-positive vaccine recipients should be provided with information and counselling.

Vaccination is recommended for older persons due to the high risk of severe COVID-19 and death. Very frail older persons with an anticipated life expectancy of less than 3 months should be individually assessed.

Vaccination can be offered to people who have had COVID-19 in the past. But individuals may defer their own COVID-19 vaccination for up to six months from the time of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

There is no scientific evidence to prove that they can cause infertility in men or women. 

Interchangeability of Covid-19 vaccines is not permitted .The second dose should also be of the same Covid-19 vaccine which was administered at the “first dose”,

Should pregnant or breast feeding women be vaccinated?

Currently experts have suggested that the COVID-19 vaccine may be offered to the pregnant women if no contraindications exist. The intent is to weigh risk versus benefit on individualized basis, so that a pregnant woman can take an informed decision.

The Indian Government state that COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women at present .

 

Who should not take the vaccine?

VERY FEW.

Global consensus on immunisation best practice indicates that very few people should not receive the vaccine. 

1. No person below the age of 15 should take the vaccine(pending the results of further studies).
2. Anyone who has had an anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose of Covid-19 vaccine (during trials) should not receive the vaccine
3. Individuals with a history of severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine should not take this or any other mRNA vaccine.Anyone who has immediate or delayed-onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccines or injectable therapies, pharmaceutical products or food items should not take the vaccine.

Who should delay vaccination ?

Vaccination may be deferred in the following special circumstances.

1. Those who show active symptoms of Covid-19 can take the vaccine only 4-8 weeks after recovery
2. SARS-COV-2 patients who have been given SARS-Cov-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma treatment must also defer vaccine administration by at least 4-8 weeks after recovery
3. Anyone with acute illness and hospitalised (even with non-Covid-19 related illnesses) should not take the vaccine now. They can take it  4 to 8 weeks after complete recovery
4. The guidelines specifically mention that Covid-19 vaccines and other vaccines should not be co-administered, i.e. they should be separated by an interval of at least 2 weeks
5. The guidelines specifically mention that Covid-19 vaccines and other vaccines should not be co-administered, i.e. they should be separated by an interval of at least 2 weeks
6. Covishield should be given with caution to those with thrombocytopenia (abnormally low platelets)

Following conditions are not contraindicated for Covid vaccines

1. Persons with past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (sero-positivïty) and or RT-PCR positive illness
2. History of chronic diseases and morbidities (cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, metabolic, renal, malignancies)
3. Immuno-deficiency, HIV, patients on immune-suppression due to any condition (the response to the Covid-19 vaccine may be less in these individuals).Experts recommend vaccination as the vaccines either do not contain live virus, or are not self-replicating, and are therefore pose minimal risk.