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COVID-19 booster dose in India: Eligibility & registration

Team AckoDec 6, 2024

In 2020 we were all directly or indirectly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Thankfully, virologists quickly developed a few vaccines that could keep the virus at bay. Even so, last year, a more infectious strain called “Omicron” emerged. In response to this new strain of virus, the Government of India rolled out a COVID-19 booster dose to strengthen people’s immunity. Read on to know more about the eligibility, registration and other information about the COVID-19 booster in India.

Contents

Omicron variant in India
What is a vaccine?
What is a COVID-19 booster?
Eligibility for COVID-19 booster dose
Guidelines for COVID-19 booster dose
Difference Between Initial Vaccination and Booster Dose
Importance of COVID-19 Booster Dose
How the COVID-19 Booster Dose Works
What Happens if You Miss Your Booster Dose?
How Long Does Immunity Last After the Booster Dose?
Side effects of the booster dose
How to register for the COVID-19 booster?
How much does a COVID-19 booster dose cost?
Conclusion
Frequently asked questions

Omicron variant in India

Omicron was first discovered in South Africa, at the end of the year 2021. The first case identified in India was in the state of Karnataka, during the same year. Because of this new variant, in January 2022, there was a surge in COVID-19 cases in India. Fortunately, the case counts stabilised within a few months.

The sudden surge put pressure on the healthcare system, with hospitals and testing facilities struggling to cope with the influx of patients. However, despite the initial alarm, the Indian government and healthcare workers worked tirelessly to contain the spread of the variant. Through increased testing, contact tracing, and vaccination efforts, India managed to stabilise the case counts within a few months. The experience with the Omicron variant highlighted the importance of continued vigilance and preparedness in the face of an evolving pandemic.

What is a vaccine?

Our native immunity usually protects us against several diseases. Yet, certain disease-causing organisms manage to survive despite this natural protection. Vaccines help boost our immunity to protect us against these infectious agents. According to WHO, vaccines are currently responsible for preventing over 20 life-threatening diseases.

What is a COVID-19 booster?

The role of a COVID-19 booster is similar to that of a vaccine. It also reinforces the protection stimulated by the previously administered vaccine doses. Antibodies are created when the COVID-19 vaccines are introduced into the body. However, after a period of time, the antibody count tends to reduce drastically. Thus, to increase the count and strengthen the immune response, a booster vaccine is administered.

Eligibility for COVID-19 booster dose

The Indian Government is currently offering the COVID-19 booster dose only to priority populations. However, this is subject to change. The booster was first rolled out in India on 10 January 2022. It is currently available only for frontline medical workers and senior citizens above the age of 60 years, suffering from comorbidities. Nonetheless, it is not necessary for senior citizens to produce a certificate while receiving their booster dose. Children between the ages of 15 to 18 are also eligible to receive the COVID-19 booster dose.

Guidelines for COVID-19 booster dose

Below are guidelines, based on Government instructions, that need to be followed for a COVID-19 booster shot.

The recipient of a booster dose should have received two doses of vaccination prior to receiving the booster shot.
There should be a 9-month or 39-week gap between the second/final dose of vaccination and receiving the booster dose.
You can only receive a booster for the vaccines you received initially. For example, if you previously received Covaxin vaccines, then you can get only a Covaxin booster dose.
Pre-registration is not required. You can walk in, book an appointment and receive the booster dose.
Carry a valid identification document like a Passport, Aadhaar Card or Driving Licence for registration purposes.
Even after receiving the booster dose, continue to follow all the Government mandated COVID-19 protocols.

Note: The above mentioned guidelines are subject to change.

Difference Between Initial Vaccination and Booster Dose

The COVID-19 booster shot and the initial vaccination doses differ in several important ways, including their purpose, eligibility, and the process involved. Understanding these differences can help individuals make informed decisions about their vaccination timeline.

Purpose:

Initial Vaccination: The primary purpose of the first doses is to build the body's immune response against COVID-19. These doses introduce the immune system to the virus's spike protein, teaching the body how to recognise and fight off the virus if encountered in the future.
Booster Dose: The booster is designed to "refresh" or enhance immunity that may have weakened over time after the initial vaccination. It helps increase antibody levels and provides stronger protection against variants like Omicron, which may partially evade the immune response generated by the initial vaccine doses.

Eligibility:

Initial Vaccination: This is available to individuals who still need vaccination. It typically involves two doses, taken a few weeks apart, depending on the vaccine type (Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, etc.).
Booster Dose: The booster is recommended for those who have completed their primary vaccination series. Eligibility may vary based on age, underlying health conditions, and time elapsed since the last dose. Generally, a booster is advised after 5–6 months following the initial vaccination series.

Process:

Initial Vaccination: Involves two or more shots, spaced out over several weeks, to establish complete immunity.
Booster Dose: A single shot, typically the same as the initial vaccine, is administered several months after the primary vaccination.

Other Considerations:

Boosters and Variants: Boosters have been shown to provide more robust protection against newer variants, including Omicron (CDC, WHO).
Vaccine Types: Both initial and booster doses can vary in composition, especially as new vaccines are developed for emerging variants.

Importance of COVID-19 Booster Dose

Maintaining strong protection depends on getting a COVID-19 booster dose, mainly if new varieties like Omicron keep showing up. Although immunisations initially offer great defence against COVID-19, their efficacy can diminish with time. Boosters are used to maximise and prolong the immune response, guaranteeing continuous resistance against the virus, including more transmissible varieties.

With its notable alterations, the Omicron variety has generated questions since it can avoid some of the protection produced by the first doses of the vaccination. Studies have indicated that the Omicron form can partially evade the immunological protection given by two doses of mRNA vaccines, therefore increasing the risk of breakthrough infections. However, a booster dose significantly increases antibody levels, strengthening protection against infection and severe disease.

Recent research suggests that while two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine may offer limited protection against the Omicron variant, a third dose significantly boosts immunity, restoring protection levels comparable to those provided against earlier strains. As the virus continues to evolve, this booster is essential in controlling the ongoing epidemic, as maintaining immunity through additional doses reduces the risk of severe disease and hospitalisation.

Getting a booster dosage increases personal protection and supports broader public health initiatives to curb the spread of the virus as new varieties like Omicron proliferate.

How the COVID-19 Booster Dose Works

Since the immunity given by the first vaccination dose may fade over time, the COVID-19 booster dosage is vital to improving the body's immunological response to the virus. Boosters' scientific basis is their capacity to rejuvenate and magnify the body's defence systems, guaranteeing long-term protection against COVID-19, including new forms like Omicron.

The immune system of a person initially getting a COVID-19 vaccination is exposed to the spike protein of the virus, which causes antibody and memory cell creation. Should the body encounter the virus again, these parts of the immune system "remember" how to identify and fight it. However, the level of antibodies typically falls with time, lowering the immunological response. A booster dose helps the immune system of the virus to "remind" it, raising antibody levels and enhancing its preparedness to fight the virus should it resurface. Boosters are absolutely essential in controlling the continuing epidemic as this reactivation and augmentation of the immune response guarantees constant protection.

What Happens if You Miss Your Booster Dose?

Missing or postponing your COVID-19 booster dose might have major effects on your immunity and viral protection, especially as new variants develop. After the first vaccination doses, a booster shot's main goals are to "recharge" the immune system and restore its capacity to fight off the virus, which could deteriorate with time. Immunity can be reduced without the booster, which increases your vulnerability to breakthrough infections.

Studies reveal that the protection provided by the first vaccination doses may fade, especially against variations like Omicron, which has demonstrated some capacity to avoid immunity from past vaccine formulations. Booster doses indicate higher degrees of protection against serious sickness, hospitalisation, and death, as well as greatly raised antibody levels. The virus is still mutating and spreading, so taking the booster could increase your risk. Those who miss booster doses are less likely to have enough COVID-19 protection.

Apart from a compromised defence, missing the booster could also influence your body's response to new variations. Maintaining long-term immunity depends on having current protection since more recent COVID-19 strains can occasionally avoid immunity from the first vaccination doses. Getting vaccination within the ideal window helps guarantee the immune response is as powerful as it should be, even if obtaining a booster dose at any point after the advised gap is still useful. Do not postpone your booster; maintain your vaccination schedule to guard yourself and others from COVID-19 and its variants.

How Long Does Immunity Last After the Booster Dose?

Although a COVID-19 booster dose usually offers robust protection, it does not last forever. Studies have revealed that the booster shot greatly raises the antibody level, improving protection against the virus—particularly for severe sickness and hospitalisation. Like the immunity from the first vaccination doses, this protection does, however, typically drop with time.

Studies show that immunity usually lasts several months following a booster dosage. The CDC and other health organisations state that immunity to COVID-19 peaks a few weeks following the booster shot but begins to drop roughly three to six months later. Age, underlying medical issues, and virus exposure all affect the degree of immune drop experienced.

For instance, older persons and those with impaired immune systems may see a faster loss of immunity for falling immunity and the continuous development of new variations. Extra booster doses may be required to preserve good protection. Boosters are crucial to enable the immune system to remain ready for future infections since variations like Omicron and its subvariants have shown some potential to circumvent immunity from past vaccinations partially. Health professionals carefully monitor the matter and advise further booster shots depending on the course of the epidemic and newly developing varieties.

Side effects of the booster dose

The side effects usually reported for a COVID-19 booster are similar to the ones reported for the COVID-19 vaccines. Side effects may include fever, headaches, body pain, etc. If side effects persist beyond a few days, it is advisable to seek medical attention. These symptoms are typically mild to moderate and should resolve within a few days. However, it's crucial to seek medical attention promptly if you experience more severe or persistent side effects, such as high fever, severe headache, or difficulty breathing.

Remember that these side effects are a sign that your immune system responds to the vaccine and builds protection against the virus. If you have any concerns or underlying health conditions, it's always best to consult with your healthcare provider before receiving the booster dose.

How to register for the COVID-19 booster?

Although pre-registration is not required, registrations for the COVID-19 booster dose can be made on the CoWIN portal. The platform is programmed to display only the eligible recipients of the booster. Also, periodic reminders will be sent to the registered mobile number of those scheduled for the booster dose.

How much does a COVID-19 booster dose cost?

In order to make the COVID-19 booster dose available for all, the Government is currently offering them free of cost at Government vaccination centres. Alternatively, a COVID-19 booster can be bought at private hospital vaccination centres as well. The exact cost for the booster dose slightly varies from private centre to private centre. You can check out the exact prices on the CoWIN portal.

Conclusion

COVID-19 vaccines are our saving grace from the COVID-19 virus, so it is crucial that we receive them. If you have already received both vaccination doses, consider getting the COVID-19 booster. This is vital to maintain and strengthen your immunity, especially as the virus continues to evolve with new variants like Omicron. However, ensure you fulfil the eligibility criteria and follow the abovementioned guidelines. By getting vaccinated and boosted, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to the broader public health effort.

Frequently asked questions

The following are frequently asked questions regarding the COVID-19 booster dose.

If vaccines are effective, why do I need an additional booster?

COVID-19 vaccines are extremely effective at preventing or lessening the impact of the COVID-19 virus. However, after a period of time, the antibodies that result from the vaccination, might reduce. Thus, a booster vaccine is administered to increase the antibody count and strengthen the body’s immune response.

Is mixing of vaccination brands allowed while getting a COVID-19 booster?

No, mixing of brands is not permitted while availing a booster dose. In fact, mixing vaccination brands is not permitted. You have to register for the same brand for the second dose of vaccination and for the subsequent booster shot as well.

How important is receiving a COVID-19 booster dose?

Countries around the world have been administering the booster dose to their citizens as a response to the infectious new COVID-19 strains. In India, the booster dose was first rolled out on 10 January 2022, when the Omicron COVID-19 variant was spreading rapidly in the country.

Unfortunately, the Omicron variant can infect people despite them receiving the vaccines and booster doses. It can also infect individuals who have previously been infected by the virus. However, the effect of infection is drastically reduced by receiving the immunity increasing vaccines and booster.

Is a precautionary dose and a booster dose the same thing?

Yes, they both refer to the same immunity-boosting substances. In India, the booster dose is also called a “precautionary dose”.

Should everyone receive the COVID-19 booster dose?

If you fulfil the previously mentioned eligibility criteria, you should take the COVID-19 vaccine to strengthen your immune response. However, if you are in doubt because you suffer from a medical condition, consult your doctor and make a decision accordingly.

Where can I get a COVID-19 booster?

If you are eligible for receiving a COVID-19 booster shot, you can log in to the CoWIN portal and locate a vaccination centre that is accessible to you.

If I don’t receive the COVID-19 booster, am I still considered “fully vaccinated”?

Yes, as of now you are still considered “fully vaccinated” if you have received two doses of a vaccine and you can take part in activities that require that criteria.

Are there any threats in taking a COVD-19 booster shot?

There are no concerning threats so far. Usually, vaccines undergo various rounds of trials and are made safe for public use, before being distributed. So you need not be worried on the safety front. Nonetheless, you may experience certain side effects after getting a booster shot. Side effects may include a sore arm, fever, body pain, etc. However, these side effects are temporary.

Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on industry experience and several secondary sources on the internet; and is subject to changes. Please go through the applicable policy wordings for updated ACKO-centric content and before making any insurance-related decisions.