The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has rejected Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope's request to reduce the time gap of 84 weeks between the two shots of the COVID-19 vaccine - Covishield.
As per a recent data, 6.5 crore people are partially inoculated as of October 27. However, they are waiting to get their second shot of the Covishield vaccine due to the time gap of 12-16 weeks after taking the first dose.
Rajesh Tope had earlier requested ICMR to lessen the time gap. It would have proved beneficial in increasing the number of fully vaccinated people in the state, leading to stronger herd immunity. The ICMR denied the request as the time gap helps in attaining a higher efficiency gap.
While addressing the media, Tope said that ICMR has refused to decrease the gap between the two shots for a better efficiency rate. They have explained the scientific importance of keeping the time gap between 12 to 16 weeks.
On the other hand, the state health department is facing issues in rural and tribal areas where individuals with the first shots are avoiding the second shot. To get the maximum number of people vaccinated, they have decided to take the help of Pujaris and Hakims to create awareness among villagers on the importance of getting fully vaccinated.
Also read: Maharashtra: Enough Vials To Vaccinate All Unvaccinated Students, Says Rajesh Tope
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