New Delhi: Scientific research and the looming threat of a third wave of COVID-19 infections have compelled the government to approve the third dose of vaccine in the country. The precautionary dose would be administered to those who had received two doses of vaccine before April. This would mostly be health workers and front-line Covid warriors. The same vaccine would be administered as a third dose.
Do not let the guard down
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that coronavirus still prevails in the country and that people shouldn’t let their guards down. However, he added that there was no reason to panic. The PM asked the people to be alert and disciplined to fight the pandemic. He also stressed the importance of wearing a mask and hygiene.
Modi said that the country has the confidence and strength to face any challenges even as the virus undergoes genetic mutations. He noted that the hospitals have 18 lakh beds and 5 lakh oxygen beds. There are 1.40 lakh beds in the intensive care units alone. Besides, there are 90,000 ICU and other beds for the treatment of children. Moreover, around 3000 oxygen plants and 4 lakh oxygen cylinders have been distributed. The PM said that enough testing kits and medicines are being supplied to the states.
Who can get the precautionary dose?
For preference in getting the precautionary dose, those who are above 60 years should submit a medical certificate to prove that they have been diagnosed with one of the twenty severe diseases. These are some of the diseases that have been included by the central health ministry in the list of severe illnesses.
• Those who have had a cardiac arrest in the last one year and are currently seeking treatment.
• Those who have undergone heart transplant surgeries and are using pacemakers.
• Patients with problems in arteries and valves.
• Those who are born with heart ailments and suffer from respiratory diseases.
• Those who have undergone angioplasty and bypass surgeries after suffering a heart attack.
• Patients who seek treatment for chest pain, blood pressure and diabetes.
• Those who suffered from stroke and is currently seeking treatment.
• Patients of pulmonary artery hypertension.
• Diabetic patients who have been taking medicines for ten years.
• Those who have had liver, kidney and cell transplant or are waiting for the surgery.
• Serious kidney patients and those who undergo dialysis.
• Those who have been taking steroids and medicines for immune suppression for a long time.
• Serious liver patients.
• Those who seek treatment for serious lung ailments.
• Those who seek treatment for all cancers including blood cancer.
• Patients of sickle disease, thalassemia and problems related to plasma.
• HIV patients, those with mental disorders, muscular dystrophy, acid attack victims who suffer from lung problems, visually challenged persons and deaf persons who are above 45 years of age can get the precautionary vaccine dose.
