Representational image. (IANS File Photo)
• No RAT Test for beneficiaries prior to vaccination
• Vaccination of pregnant women under discussion
• MOFHW accepts NEGVAC’s recommendations
New Delhi, May 19 (MExN): COVID-19 vaccination would be deferred by 3 months after recovery from the illness while all lactating women can receive the jabs, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare announced on May 19.
The new announcement were among many fresh recommendations of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) accepted by the Ministry, the MOFHW stated in an official release via PIB.
“These recommendations have been based on the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging global scientific evidence & experience,” it said.
One of the recommendations stated that for individuals having lab test proven SARS-2 COVID-19 illness, vaccination would be deferred by 3 months after recovery.
For patients who have received monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, vaccination would “deferred by 3 months from the date of discharge from the hospital,” the MOHFW said.
The same recommendation was made for those getting infection after 1st dose.
“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,” it added.
Meanwhile, the MOHFW said that COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women while matter regarding that of pregnant women is under “discussion and further deliberation” by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI).
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, it said.
There is no requirement for screening of the vaccine recipients by rapid antigen test (RAT) prior to COVID-19 vaccination, it added.
The MOHFW has written to States and Union Territories and has directed the concerned officials to take note of these recommendations and undertake necessary action for their effective implementation, it said.
A letter to Chief Secretary and Administrator of all States and UTs from the Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushanon May 19 directed the latter 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 MOHFW also advised the States/UTs to undertake training of the vaccination staff at all levels.
