Gap Between Doses Of Covishield May Be Increased To 12-16 Weeks; No Change In Covaxin Interval

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended increasing the gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks, according to a PTI report.

It has also suggested that pregnant women may be offered the choice to take any COVID-19 vaccine and that lactating women can be inoculated any time after delivery.

Reuters

Vaccination after 6 months for those who have recovered from COVID

The NTAGI has also stated that those having laboratory test proven SARS-CoV-2 illness should defer COVID-19 vaccination for six months after recovery, the sources said.

According to the current protocol, vaccine must be taken four to eight weeks after recovery from COVID-19 infection.

"Based on the available real life evidence particularly from the UK, the COVID-19 working group agreed for increasing the dosing interval to 12-16 weeks between two doses of Covishield vaccine.?

No change in dosage interval for Covaxin

The NTAGI has not suggested increasing the dosage gap in Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.?

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The recommendations come amid several states reporting shortage of vaccines.

Several states and UTs including Delhi, Maharashtra, Karnataka and Telangana have decided to opt for global tenders for procurement of anti-coronavirus shots with the domestic supply falling short to meet the rising demand.

The recommendations of the NTAGI will be sent to the National Expert Group on Vaccine Adminstration for COVID-19.?