GUWAHATI, Dec 29 - Is it necessary for a person who has recovered from COVID-19 to take the vaccine? Yes, say health authorities.
�It is advisable to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine irrespective of past history of infection from the disease. This will help in developing a strong immune response against the disease,� the health department said in a �frequently asked questions� note prepared on the forthcoming vaccination exercise.
Infected individuals should, however, defer the vaccination for 14 days after symptom resolution.
Based on the potential availability of vaccines, the Government of India has selected the priority groups that will be vaccinated on priority as they are at higher risk.
The first group includes healthcare and frontline workers. The second group to receive COVID-19 vaccine will be persons over 50 years of age and persons under 50 years with co-morbid conditions.
In the initial phase, COVID-19 vaccine will be provided to the priority group � healthcare and frontline workers. The 50-plus age group may also begin early based on vaccine availability.
People will have to register themselves in an online platform � Co-WIN. Following online registration, the beneficiaries will receive SMSes on their registered mobile numbers on the due date, place and time of vaccination.
The eligible beneficiaries will be informed through their registered mobile numbers regarding the health facility where the vaccination will be provided and the scheduled time for the same. This will be done to avoid any inconvenience in registration and vaccination of beneficiaries.
The health department said registration of beneficiary is mandatory for COVID-19 vaccination. Only after registration the information on the session site to visit and time will be shared with the beneficiary. The beneficiary will require a photo identity card during registration.