14.5.21

Covishield dose interval increased to 12-16 weeks

The Centre has approved extending the gap between the two doses of Covishield vaccine from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks. This followed recommendations from the Covid working group chaired by Dr N K Arora. There is no change in interval of Covaxin doses.

The Covid working group chaired by Dr N K Arora has recommended extension of the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield to12-16 weeks. Niti Aayog member and head of the expert group on vaccines Dr V K Paul said the decision has been taken on basis of the experience of UK where the 12-week gap was implemented. He said the earlier 4-6 week interval was based on studies but now there is data from actual implementation of the spaced out schedule.

Health minister Harshvardhan said that the “decision has been taken based on recommendations of the Covid working group after analysing emerging evidence.” The recommendation was accepted by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19. Dr Paul said the technical group that evaluated evidence did a thorough job of its recommendations.

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