To strengthen our fight against COVID-19 and its variants, India has started rolling out a precautionary booster dose. But before you log in to your COWIN portal and check for a slot, here’s all you should know about your third vaccine shot.
Who should get the booster? 🤔
Everyone above the age of 18. The Indian government is starting with healthcare workers, frontline workers and people above 60 years of age with co-morbidities.
When can I get it? 🕓
You can book a slot after at least 9 months (39 weeks) of getting the second dose.
What will I need? 📑
An appointment slot and your ID proof (preferably Aadhaar or PAN). You may also carry your vaccination and co-morbidity certificates (if applicable).
Which vaccine should I get? 💉
The same one you’ve gotten earlier. While there are talks of mixing vaccines for a more robust immunity building practice, for now, ICMR wants you to get the same vaccine as before.
Why should I bother getting boosted? 🤷🏻♀️
The effects of vaccination tend to wear off with time. Getting a booster increases your chances of not falling sick or getting hospitalised for a longer duration.
How effective is the booster dose? 👩🏻⚕️
There is no known data on the efficacy of the booster doses but the CDC and WHO have vouched for the protection they provide. A study by UK Health Security Agency also says that the third dose of Covishield can give 70–75% protection against symptomatic infection.
Does it protect me from Omicron? 🦠
Yes! Even though the Omicron variant is famously known to evade immunity, boosters are effective against mild Omicron. They can also protect you from severe disease and hospitalisation.
Can I get COVID even after getting the booster? 😰
No vaccine is 100% effective and breakthrough infections can happen. The booster will prevent severe illness but you should continue taking precautions.
Can I get the booster dose if I’m unwell? 🤧
CDC says people with a mild illness or those who are on antibiotics can get vaccinated. But if you’re moderately sick or severely ill, you should wait till you’re recovered before you get the booster.
The only known way to tackle variants of COVID-19 is by sanitizing, wearing masks and getting vaccinated. Getting the booster dose can prevent infections for a longer period of time and help you ride the third wave without falling severely ill. It’s important to get the booster dose whenever it is available for you. Till then, stay home and stay safe.
We understand how overwhelming the rise in cases and isolation can be for you. And as your healthcare partner, we want to help in every way we can. As members, you can call us if you think you have Covid or have been in contact with someone positive. Our doctors will provide special COVID support so you can recover faster. We offer unlimited RT-PCR and other tests that your doctor asks you to get. And if it ever comes to it, we cover you for hospitalisation expenses up to Rs 50 lakh.
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