Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (“MoHFW”) has in a letter addressed to the Additional Chief Secretary/ Principal Secretary/ Secretary and Health Department of States and Union Territories, released a detailed note on contraindications and special precautions that needs to be followed while administering COVID-19 vaccines:
Key highlights –
1. COVID-19 vaccine is to be administered to people who are 18 years of age and above;
2. COVID-19 vaccines and other vaccines to be separated by an interval of at least 14 days;
3. Interchangeability of COVID-19 vaccines is not permitted and the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should be the same as the first dose;
4. COVID-19 vaccine should not be used on –
a. People with history of anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine;
b. Pregnant and lactating women;
5. COVID-19 vaccines should be deferred for 4-8 weeks after recovery for the following:
a. Persons having active symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection;
b. SARS-COV-2 patients who have been given anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma;
c. Acutely unwell and hospitalised (with or without intensive care) patients due to any illness;
6. Vaccines should be administered with caution to persons with history of any bleeding or coagulation disorder (e.g., clotting factor deficiency, coagulopathy or platelet disorder);
7. The document also provides comparative sheet for different COVID-19 vaccines under the Indian Government Supply.
Source : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
