Precautionary Booster : Dose Here'S Why You Need To Get Jabbed Again To Fight Covid-19 | Fortis Bangalore

Precautionary/Booster Dose: Here’s Why You Need To Get Jabbed Again To Fight COVID-19

The number of coronavirus cases are on the rise again and this time, the new variant Omicron is spreading like a wildfire. With an aim to contain the rapid spread of this yet another phase of pandemic, the Government of India has introduced precautionary doses for the doctors, frontline health workers and adults aged above 60, with comorbidities from January 2022. Call it booster dose or precautionary dose, the aim of these vaccines against coronavirus is to provide extra immunity from this super contagious virus that has been plaguing this world for almost two years now.

The vaccination drive against COVID-19 is going on in full swing and according to data, more than 90 per cent of adult population in our country got their first shot of the initially prescribed both shots. Starting on January 3, children aged between 15 to 18 are also getting inoculated. However, if you are wondering on why, one should get jabbed again within a year’s time, even after getting double vaccination, this article is for you.

It is not just India; booster doses are being administered across worldwide including US and UK for providing better immunity.

Who Is Eligible For Precautionary Dose?

• Medical professionals, frontline health workers working relentlessly in hospitals and in paramedical fields for saving lives
• Adults aged above 60 with comorbidities

Is There Any Time Interval From Second Dose and Precautionary Dose?

The eligible individuals can take the shot only after 9 months or 39 weeks from the date of second dose.

What Are The List Of Comorbidities?

• Cardiovascular disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Stem cell transplant recipients
• Cirrhosis
• Cancer
• Sickle cell disease
• Other life-threatening and chronic conditions

Can My Booster Shot Be Different From The Other One?

Currently, there are only two vaccines available for the adult population against COVID-19 – Covishield and Covaxin. According to officials, the vaccine shots will not be mixed. So, if you were inoculated twice with Covishield and then your booster shot is also the same. The same applies to Covaxin as well.

Why Are Precautionary Shots Necessary?

Precautionary or booster shots provide better and enhanced immunity against the virus. While first both doses are effective against shielding the body against severe complications caused due to Coronavirus, the booster shot brings the chances of getting infected further down.

Remember, the COVID-19 is mutating, and the world is witnessing various variants one contagious than the before. With doctors, medical researchers, scientists scrabbling through data, studies to understand the nature, behaviour of virus and its mutants, it is extremely crucial to stay vigilant against the viral load that can affect pulmonary organs and other vital parts of the body.

How Should I Prepare For Booster Dose?

There is no particular preparation required in case you are scheduled for a precautionary dose.

• Eat well, take all your medication before getting the shot
• Take enough rest and drink ample water after the jab
• Low grade fever, tiredness is common after getting inoculated. However, if you notice any severe symptoms like high fever, breathlessness, delirium etc., alert your doctor immediately
• Do not forget to wear a mask, use hand sanitizer while at the vaccination centre
• If you have any concerns about your health before taking booster dose, get tested and talk to your doctor

How To Register For COVID-19 Precautionary Dose?

All eligible beneficiaries aged 60 years and above with comorbidities are eligible for booster dose using their CO-WIN account

Registration can be done in advance, on-site (the hospital or clinic where the dose is being administered) or through the Co-WIN Facilitated Cohort Registration procedure

The eligibility is based on the date of administration of 2^nd dose, as per the records available in the Co-WIN app.

Submit your Aadhaar card for verification

Other than Aadhaar, you can also submit EPIC, Passport, Driving License, PAN Card, Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR, Pension document with photograph. An SMS will be generated for the recipient soon after registration and the vaccination gets recorded instantly through the Co-WIN Vaccinator Module.