Precautions and Contraindications for COVID-19 Vaccination

Authorized Age Group

Under the Emergency Use Authorization (EUA), COVID-19 vaccination is indicated only for 18 years and above.

Co-administration of vaccines 

• If required, COVID-19 vaccine and other vaccines should be separated by an interval of at least 14 days
• Interchangeability of COVID-19 Vaccines is not permitted : Second dose should also be of the same COVID-19 vaccine which was administered as the first dose.

Contraindication

Persons with history of : 

• Anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a pervious dose of COVID-19 vaccine
• Immediate or delayed-onset anaphylaxis or allergic reaction to vaccines or injectable therapies, pharmaceutical products, food-items etc.

Pregnancy & Lactation : 

• Pregnant & Lactating women have not been part of any COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial so far. Therefore, women who are pregnant or not sure of their pregnancy: and lactating women should not receive COVID-19 vaccine at this time

Provisional/temporary contraindications: In these conditions, COVID vaccination is to be deferred for 4-8 weeks after recovery

• Persons having active symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• SARS-CoV-2 patients who have been given anti-SARS-CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma
• Acutely unwell and hospitalized (with or without intensive care) patients due to any illnes

Special precautions

Vaccine should be administered with caution in persons with history of any bleeding or coagulation disorder (e.g., clotting factor deficiency, coagulapathy of platelet disorder).

Following conditions are not contraindicated for COVID vaccines

• Persons with past history of SARS-CoV-2 infection (sero-positivity) and or RT-PCR positive illness
• History of chronic diseases and morbidities (cardiac, neurological, pulmonary, metabolic, renal, maliganancies)
• Immuno-deficiency, HIV, patients on immune-suppressio due to any condition (the response to the COVID 19 vaccines may be less in these individuals)

Other Important Issues to Consider

• Vaccine specific contraindications may apply as the new information becomes available.

FAQs on COIVD 19 for Healthcare Workers and Front line workers 

Source : Ministry of Health and Family Welfare