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COVID-19: Centre increases Covishield dose gap to 12-16 weeks; Experts link it to vaccine shortage

This is the second time in three months that Covishield dosage intervals have been widened. In March, states and UTs were told to increase the gap from 28 days to six-eight weeks "for better results".

COVID-19: Centre increases Covishield dose gap to 12-16 weeks; Experts link it to vaccine shortage
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The Centre on Thursday, May 13, has announced to increase the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks from six-eight weeks. However, no changes have been made in dosage intervals for Covaxin, which remains at four to six weeks.

The Union Health Ministry said that the decision was based on the recommendation of the seven-member COVID-19 Working Group. Moreover, it comes at a time when several states have complained of a shortage of vaccines.

On Wednesday, May 12, the changes were accepted by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid (NEGVAC), which is led by NITI Aayog member Dr VK Paul, whereas the Union health ministry agreed on Thursday evening, May 13.

A statement released by the Central government noted that based on available real-life evidence, particularly from the United Kingdom, the COVID-19 Working Group has agreed to increase the dosing interval between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks. No change in intervals for Covaxin was recommended.

The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid has also suggested that those who have recovered from coronavirus infection, should get the vaccine against coronavirus six months after the recovery.

According to reports, Covishield accounts for 90 per cent of the 17.8 crore vaccine doses administered so far.

This is the second time in three months Covishield dosage intervals have been widened. In March, states and UTs were told to increase the gap from 28 days to six to eight weeks "for better results". Even though in clinical trials, the vaccine has been tested with only a gap of 28 days, widening of Covishield dosage intervals has been linked to increased efficacy. 

The timing of these recommendations has sparked suggestions that the decision could be triggered by the vaccine shortage, rather than any scientific rationale.  

Meanwhile, Paul assured that in the next five months around 2 billion doses will be available in India.

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