Who is eligible for COVID vaccine in India – list of all the age and medical conditions included
After almost a year full of dilemma and fear amidst the spread of COVID-19, there is finally a ray of hope in the form of the arrival of the much needed vaccine. Currently, the Indian citizens are gradually having access to two vaccines – Covishield and Covaxin, both of which are now available in different parts of the country.
However, the availability of vaccines is not as freely accessible in the country, as there are some conditions which need to be followed for getting the required dose. Came March 2021, and the vaccination drive in India reached the second phase. However, not all have access to this second phase, and only certain people with certain age and medical conditions can have access to it. It is to be noted that only healthcare and frontline workers had access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the first phase.
The first and foremost priority of vaccination dose is given to those people who are aged above 60, or will reach the age of 60 by the date of January 1, 2022. Apart from that, people who are aged from 45 to 59 can also have access to the vaccine, provided they are suffering from 22 odd comorbidities which are listed down by the government of India. Following are those 22 comorbidities:-
If one is suffering from a particular heart ailment, or was admitted in the hospital in the duration of past one year.
If one has undergone a minor or major cardiac transplant or left ventricular assist device in the duration of the past one year.
If one has been suffering from a minor left ventricular systolic dysfunction, with the level of less than 40 per cent.
If one has been suffering from a moderate or severe medical condition related to valves in his/her heart, and might require a surgery.
If one has been suffering from congenital heart disease with severe or idiopathic PAH.
If one has ever suffered from coronary artery disease with CABG/PTCA/MI, alongside hypertension or diabetes.
If one has been suffering from angina, along with the conditions related to hypertension or diabetes.
If one has suffered from CT/MRI documented stroke, and has been suffering from hypertension or diabetes.
If one has been suffering from pulmonary artery hypertension, along with hypertension or diabetes.
If one is suffering from hypertension or diabetes for more than ten years or with even any minor complication
If one has undergone kidney, liver or hematopoietic stem cell transplant
If one has reached the last stage of any kidney related disease and has undergone haemodialysis or CAPD.
If one has been consuming oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medicines for a long period of time, and is taking them on the current basis as well.
If one is suffering from decompensated cirrhosis, which is a liver disease caused due to degeneration of cells or inflammation of tissues due to excessive alcoholism or hepatitis.
If one has suffered from any particular respiratory disease and was admitted in hospital even once in the last two years, or has an FEVI level of less than 50 per cent.
If one has suffered or has been suffering from lymphoma, which is a form of cancer caused in cells of lymph nodes, spleen or thymus.
If one is suffering from or has suffered from leukaemia, which is a disease caused by production of increased numbers of abnormal leukocytes by bone marrow or any other blood forming organ.
If one has suffered from or has been suffering from myeloma, which is a form of cancer caused in the plasma cells, which results in deficiency of formation of antibodies.
If one has been diagnosed with any other form of major cancer on or after July 1, 2020, or is currently undergoing any form of cancer therapy.
If one is diagnosed with sickle cell disease, bone marrow failure, thalassemia major or aplastic anemia.
If one is suffering from HIV infection or any other primary immunodeficiency disease.
If one is suffering from any one of the following disabilities – intellectual, muscular, respiratory caused by any acid attack, deafness or blindness.
The shots of the vaccine can be taken at any of the registered government hospitals all over the country, including that of western Rajasthan, free of cost. In Jodhpur, one can be easily vaccinated at private hospitals like Medipulse, at a price of INR 250.