BMC reduces gap between 2 shots of Covishield - Check guidelines here

In a major development, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) recently reduced the gap between the two doses of Covishield, from 84 days to 28 days.

Even though these new guidelines are predominantly for tourists, government employees and private establishments employees will be eligible to avail it too as all private and public establishments, including restaurants, hotels, amusement parks and theatres are open.

They can avail the facility after showing passports or valid identity cards.

According to Suresh Kakani, additional commissioner of the BMC, has issued fresh guidelines for certain sections of citizens.

He also mentioned that there are SOPs for citizens intending to undertake international travel for educational purposes or joining employment to take the second Covishield dose before the 12-16 weeks’ prescribed time.

“These beneficiaries need to provide their travel itinerary at the vaccine centres, and should mandatorily complete 28 days after the first dose. Moreover, we will be following the guidelines issued by the Central government and travellers need to adhere to it,” Kakani added.

In addition, senior health experts said there is no harm in allowing travellers to take a second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after 28 days.

The new guidelines are as follows:

• Citizens must be above 18 years of age and must have a valid passport
• The passport number of the citizen must be included on the vaccination certificate. If it isn’t present at the time of the first dose, a separate vaccination certificate should be issued without prior request of the vaccination officer
• Employees of government and private establishments must carry their identity cards
• The nodal officer at the vaccination centre will certify the application and upload it to the Co-Win system