Gap Between Two Covishield Doses Extended To 12-16 Weeks Published by GulteDesk May 14, 2021
After four months into the Covid-19 vaccination drive, the government said on Thursday that the gap between the first and second doses of the Covishield vaccine has been increased from the existing 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks. Earlier, the gap was tweaked from 30 days to 6-8 weeks. Covishield is developed by AstraZeneca-Oxford University combine and manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India.
On increasing the gap, the health ministry said that the move is being made after witnessing advantages and protection in the UK with increased gaps between shots. However, the gap with Covaxin dosage, from four to six weeks, remains uninterrupted. “Based on available real-life evidence, particularly from the United Kingdom, the COVID-19 Working Group has agreed to increase dosing interval between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks. No change in intervals for Covaxin was recommended,
Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech have submitted to the Centre their production plan for the next four months, informing they can ramp it up to 10 crore and 7.8 crore doses respectively by August, official sources said on Wednesday.
Amid multiple states reporting a shortage of COVID-19 vaccine, Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech have submitted to the Centre their production plan for the next four months, informing they can ramp it up to 10 crore and 7.8 crore doses respectively by August, official sources said on Wednesday
The order will also be applicable for those who have already booked appointment slots for vaccines.
BENGALURU: Following severe shortage of vaccines and supply constraints, Karnataka government on Wednesday night decided to suspend vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group at government facilities from May 14 until further notice. Private hospitals, however, will continue administering vaccine doses for all age groups.
The government, in a statement, said that it decided to utilize the existing stock of vaccines for those in the 45-plus age group and due for their second dose. There is a dearth of vaccines. Hence, we re considering holding off the vaccination drive temporarily for the 18-44 age group, the statement added.