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DGCA Issues A Medical Circular For Vaccinated Pilots & Cabin Crew Staff

The DGCA has issued a medical circular that bars pilots and cabin crew members from flying within 48 hours of getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

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By: Kumar Shree Published: Mar 10, 2021 09:00 AM IST

DGCA Issues A Medical Circular For Vaccinated Pilots & Cabin Crew Staff

The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued a medical circular that bars pilots and cabin crew members from flying within 48 hours of getting the COVID-19 vaccine. By Kumar Shree

Pilots and cabin crew members are next in line in India’s wide-ranging vaccination drive. The aviation industry recently requested the government to consider them as frontline staff, in turn giving them a priority for the vaccination process. Moreover, these professionals bring with them their own set of risks wherein the health of many others is directly dependent on the crew. Taking this into account, the DGCA has come up with a new medical circular titled ‘Temporary Unfitness for Flying, Following Post COVID Vaccination’.

 

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Through the circular, the DGCA has said that post-vaccination, any pilot or cabin crew member can fly only after getting a ‘Medical Cure Certificate’ confirming that they do not show any side effects because of the vaccination. This circular hints at the fact that the Indian aircrew members could be getting vaccinated soon. In fact, airline operator Indigo will reportedly even bear the cost of vaccinating its employees.

 

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As reported by The Times of India, the circular mentions, “If after 48 hours the pilot experiences any symptoms, he/she will be reviewed by treating physician… Such pilots can be declared fit for flying duties provided they are asymptomatic without any medications, and a ‘medical cure certificate’ shall be obtained. If medical unfitness post-COVID-19 vaccination is more than 14 days, then a ‘special medical examination’ will be required to ascertain fitness for flying.”

Related: Got A Middle Seat On The Flight? You Might Have To Wear A ‘Wrap-Around Gown’, DGCA Directs!

Written By

Kumar Shree

Kumar Shree

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