Increase Covishield Dose Interval To 6-8 Weeks: Centre

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New Delhi: Based on the recommendation of two expert panels, the central government has asked states to increase the vaccine doses interval to 6-8 weeks for Covishield.

Currently, the gap is 28 days. The immunity is enhanced if the 2nd dose is given after 6-8 weeks, the panel of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) said.

The 2nd dose can now be taken between 4-8 weeks of the 1st one.

This instruction is, however, only for Covishield and not Covaxin.

Covaxin, the Bharat Biotech vaccine, will continue to be administered with 28 days gap.

Covishield is currently made by the Serum Institute of India in Pune. Many western nations have also increased the interval between doses so as to accommodate more people with some level of protection.

Also Read: 3-Month Gap Between 2 Doses More Effective For Oxford COVID Vaccine: Study