New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has accepted new recommendations of The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) on administering vaccine for COVID-infected people.

Accordingly, COVID-19 vaccination is to be deferred by three months after recovery from the illness. If infected with COVID after 1st dose, 2nd dose to be deferred by 3 months after clinical recovery from COVID-19 illness. These recommendations have been based on the evolving situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and emerging global scientific evidence and experience.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has accepted these recommendations and has communicated these to the States and UTs also.

Individuals having lab test proven SARS-2 COVID-19 illness: COVID-19 vaccination to be deferred by 3 months after recovery. 

SARS-2 COVID-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma: COVID-19 vaccination to be deferred by 3 months from the date of discharge from hospital.

Individuals who have received at least the 1st dose and got COVID-19 infection before completion of the dosing schedule: The 2nd dose should be deferred by 3 months after clinical recovery from COVID-19 illness.

Persons with any other serious general illness requiring hospitalisation or ICU care should also wait for 4-8 weeks before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Blood donation

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.

The good news has been that COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women. However, regarding vaccinating pregnant women, the matter is under discussion and further deliberation by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI).

But, there is no requirement for screening of the vaccine recipients by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prior to COVID vaccination.

The Union Health Ministry has written to States and UTs to direct the concerned officials to take note of these recommendations and undertake necessary action for their effective implementation. 

States have been advised to ensure effective dissemination of the information to service provides as well as the general public. Besides, they have also been advised to undertake training of the vaccination staff at all levels.