Health Ministry reduces gap for Covid precaution doses to 6 months
New Delhi, July 6: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reduced the gap for Covid-19 precaution doses and the second dose from nine months to six months for people over the age of 18.
In June, the NTAGI's Standing Technical Subcommittee (STSC) proposed reducing the gap between the second and precaution doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated in a letter to states and union territories, "In view of the evolving scientific evidence and global practices, "Standing Technical Sub Committee" (STSC) of "National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization" (NTAGI) has recommended revising the duration between 2nd dose and precaution dose from existing 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks. This has also been endorsed by NTAGI."
"It has now been decided that the precaution dose for all beneficiaries from 18-59 years will be administered after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose at Private Covid Vaccination Centers (CVs)," it further read.
The Health Secretary stated that for beneficiaries aged 60 and up, as well as Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Front Line Workers (FLWs), a precaution dose would be administered free of charge after 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of delivery of the second dose at Government CVCs.
Also Read | India announces squad for ODI series against West Indies, Shikhar Dhawan to lead
"Corresponding changes have been made in the CoWIN system to facilitate the new dispensation. Instructions in this regard may be issued to all the concerned officials and it may also be publicized widely. I look forward to your support and leadership for extending the benefits of precaution dose to all due beneficiaries at Covid Vaccination Centers (CVCs) as well as at the household level during the ongoing Har Ghar Dastak 2.0 Campaign," Bhushan said.
Meanwhile, according to the data by the health ministry over 9,95,810 Covid vaccines were administered in the last 24 hours, under the nationwide vaccination drive.
The cumulative vaccine doses jabbed to date are 1,98,20,86,763, informed the ministry.
In the new phase of the Covid immunisation programme, the Union Government will procure and supply (at no cost) to States and UTs 75% of the vaccines produced in the country by vaccine manufacturers.
In the last 24 hours, India reported 16,159 new cases of the covid-19, 3,073 more than the previous day.
Also Read | SC to hear journalist Rohit Ranjan's plea seeking 'urgent hearing' on July 7
-PTC News
