New Delhi: In view of the increasing cases of COVID-19 in the country, the government is likely to reduce the gap between the second dose of the COVID vaccine and the precautionary dose or booster shot. At present, there is a gap of nine months between the second vaccine and the precautionary dose. According to a PTI report quoting official sources, the government will soon announce reducing the waiting period for booster shots to six months.
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), the country’s apex advisory body on immunization, will meet on Friday to discuss whether to bridge the gap. Sources said the group will recommend to the government to bridge the gap.
Studies from ICMR and other international research institutes have suggested that primary vaccination with both doses reduces antibody levels after about six months and that giving boosters enhances the immune response. All people over the age of 18 who have completed nine months of taking the second dose are eligible for a precautionary dose.
According to the report, “Considering the scientific evidence and findings of studies conducted here and internationally, the gap between the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and the precautionary dose should be reduced from the current nine months to six months at the earliest.” A final decision will be taken based on the recommendations of NTAGI, which is scheduled to meet on Friday.”
India began giving preventive doses of vaccines to health care and frontline workers and people aged 60 years and above from January 10. The government in March removed the comorbidity clause making everyone above the age of 60 years eligible for the precautionary dose.
India began giving a precautionary dose of COVID-19 vaccines to all people over the age of 18 at private immunization centers on 10 April.
first published:April 28, 2022, 10:36 a.m.
