CoWin vaccination certificates for those planning on international travel for education, work opportunities or as part of the Indian contingent for the Tokyo Olympics will be linked to passports, as per TOI. The government has also included the provision for early administration of the second dose of Covishield in cases if the travel dates fall before the period of the 84-day gap.?
The decision was taken after people complained of this situation during international travel.
The health ministry on Monday issued vaccination guidelines for such people based on the group¡¯s recommendations.?
However, the norms are silent on Covaxin, which is yet to be recognised by the World Health Organisation. Many, particularly those who have plans to travel abroad for education or work and have taken one or even two doses of Covaxin, are worried over the looming uncertainty as Covaxin is yet to get on WHO¡¯s list of Covid-19 vaccines.?
The government has recommended a gap of 12-16 weeks (i.e, after 84 days) between the two doses of Covishield. However, the revised guidelines have provisions for people eligible for exception to receive their second dose of Covishield after 28 days.?
¡°States/UT governments shall designate a competent authority in each district for permission for such administration of second dose of Covishield,¡± the health ministry said. ¡°The CoWin system will soon provide the facility for administration of second dose in such exceptional cases,¡± it added.?
It said mention of vaccine type as ¡®Covishield¡¯ is sufficient and no other qualifying entries are required.