Government panel National Technical advisory group on immunisation (NTAGI) on Thursday approved increasing the gap between two doses of Covid-19 vaccine Covishield to 12-16 weeks after receiving the health expert advice.
Experts opined that reduced interval between two doses could show harmful effects on human body ad weaken the immune system.
NTAGI has also suggested that pregnant women may be given the option to take any COVID-19 vaccine and that lactating women can receive a jab any time post delivery. The NTAGI has also asserted that those having laboratory test proven SARS-CoV-2 illness should skip COVID-19 vaccination for six months after recovery.
Currently, the interval between two doses of Covishield is four to eight weeks. No change in dosage interval for Covaxin has been considered by the panel yet. National Expert Group on Vaccine Adminstration for COVID-19 is currently reviewing the recommendations sent by NTAGI.
India’s active case load of Covid-19 went past the 3.5 lakh mark on Thursday after a two-day low even as the country recorded more than 4,000 deaths for the second day in a row. With 3,62,727 new Covid-19 cases in single day, India’s total caseload now reported to be at 2,37,03,665, as per the Union health ministry data updated at 8:00 am.