All beneficiaries aged 18 to 59 will receive the precaution dose 26 weeks or 6 months after the second dose was delivered at a private Covid vaccination centre.
The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday changed the interval between the second COVID vaccine dose and precautionary dose from the previous 9 months to 6 months in light of the developing body of scientific knowledge and international standards.
In June, the NTAGI’s Standing Technical Subcommittee (STSC) advocated shortening the interval between the COVID-19 vaccine’s second and precautionary doses.
Rajesh Bhushan, the union health secretary, stated in a letter to the states and union territories, “The “Standing Technical Sub Committee” (STSC) of the “National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization” (NTAGI) has recommended changing the time between the second dose and precaution dose from the current 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks in light of the evolving scientific evidence and international practises. NTAGI has also given their support to this.”
The precaution dose will henceforth be given to all beneficiaries between the ages of 18 and 59 after 6 months or 26 weeks have passed since the delivery of the second dose at private Covid Vaccination Centers (CVs), the statement continued.
After six months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of the second dose at Government CVCs, a precaution dose will be given without charge to beneficiaries 60 years of age and older as well as Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Front Line Workers (FLWs). The CoWIN system has undergone corresponding modifications to support the new dispensation. All the relevant officials may be given instructions in this regard, and they may also be widely advertised.
