Decision To Increase Gap Between Covishield Doses Is Transparent: Harsh Vardhan
Mumbai: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan tweeted on Wednesday that the decision to widen the gap between the two doses of the Covishield vaccine was “transparent” and “based on scientific data.”
“The decision to increase the gap between administering two doses of Covishield has been taken in a transparent manner based on scientific data. India has a robust mechanism to evaluate data. It is unfortunate that such an important issue is being politicised!” the Health Minister tweeted.
https://twitter.com/drharshvardhan/status/1405041507313143811?s=20
Dr Vardhan’s message comes as the government seeks to respond to reports that members of its National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) have not actually discussed increasing the dosage interval from six-eight weeks to 12-16 weeks.
Dr NK Arora, Chairman, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) also said that the decision to increase the gap between two Covishield doses from 4-6 weeks to 12-16 weeks was taken based on fundamental scientific reasons.
“We have a very open and transparent system where decisions are taken on a scientific basis. The COVID Working Group took that decision, with no dissenting voice. This issue was then discussed threadbare at an NTAGI meeting, again with no dissenting notes. The recommendation was that the vaccine interval has to be 12 – 16 weeks,” the NTAGI chairman said.
India on January 16 this year launched the world’s largest vaccination campaign in a phased manner, with healthcare workers (HCWs) being vaccinated first. The vaccination of frontline workers (FLWs) began on February 2.
The next phase of COVID-19 vaccination began on March 1 for people above 60 years of age and 45 years and above with specified co-morbid conditions.
India launched vaccination for all people aged more than 45 from April 1. Phase 3 of the vaccination drive was started on May 1 for the beneficiaries belonging to the age group 18-44.
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