There are many strict protections in place to help ensure that COVID-19 vaccines will be safe. Like all vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines have been and are being carried through a rigorous, multi-stage testing process, including large (phase III) trials that involved tens of thousands of people. These trials, which include people at high risk for COVID-19, are specifically designed to identify any common side effects or other safety concerns. If a clinical trial shows that a COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective, a series of independent reviews of the efficacy and safety evidence is required, including regulatory review and approval in the country where the vaccine is manufactured, before WHO considers a vaccine product for prequalification. Part of this process also involves a review of all the safety evidence by the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety.

The reported side effects of COVID-19 vaccine are minor. They include sore arm, muscle pain (possibly with local redness), fatigue or headache.

Yes, both pregnant and breastfeeding/lactating women can now receive any of the COVID-19 vaccines available in Pakistan. The COVID-19 vaccines proved to be safe and effective for them during trials and use in general population.

Complaints can be registered through SMS on 1166, or through 1166 call center.

Currently, there is no evidence that any existing vaccines will protect against COVID-19.

The vaccine development and information about its effectiveness is a work in progress. The initial vaccines are reported to be protective against severe illness, a factor that will avert high numbers of deaths and pressure on health systems. More information is required, which we will have over time, to describe the role of vaccines in curbing the pandemic.

Yes. Wearing masks, washing hands and keeping a distance of 6 feet from others remain the cornerstone of protection from COVID-19, even when someone has received the vaccine.

Yes, all vaccines procured and administered are approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP).

All vaccines have gone through clinical trials and approved by the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP), as well as WHO under Emergency Utilization Listing (EUL) and are good to use.

International health experts have allowed the emergency use of COVID-19 vaccines in individuals 18 years of age and older.

Yes. While experts learn more about the protection that COVID-19 vaccines provide under real-life conditions, it will be important for everyone to continue using all the tools available to us to help stop this pandemic, like covering your mouth and nose with a mask, washing hands often, and staying at least 6 feet away from others.

The Government of Pakistan is providing the vaccine free of cost.

You can send your CNIC to 1166 at any time to get the date of first dose.

SMS for 2nd dose is received 48 or 24 hours prior to the due date of 2nd dose

if you will send your CNIC to 1166 after 1st dose of 2-shot vaccine (e.g. SinoPhram), you should get this response

آپ CNIC کو [Vaccine Name] کی پہلی خوراک 2021-05-10 کو لگائی گئی تھی۔ [Vaccine Name] کی دوسری خوراک کے بارے میں آگاہ کیا جائے گا۔

Upon completion of vaccination, if you will send your CNIC to 1166, you should get this response

‏[CNIC] کی ویکسینیشن مکمل ہوچکی ہے۔

Ask vaccination staff to confirm that your vaccine administration details have been entered in NIMS. You can send your CNIC to 1166 right after getting vaccinated to check status.

You can send any CNIC from any mobile number to get a citizen registered.

There are two reasons for no response

• At times, due to network issues, response is not delivered. Please send CNIC from another mobile number (using different mobile operator).
• Issue is also faced with numbers ported from one mobile service provider to another. Please use web registration portal nims.nadra.gov.pk to register and get response.

Data for first dose was not entered by the vaccinator. Please visit the vaccination centre for correction of data.