Gap between 2nd dose of Covid jab, precaution dose likely to be reduced to 6 months soon

Official sources said on Wednesday that the government is likely to shorten the time between the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine and the precaution dose from the current nine months to six months. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), which is scheduled to meet on April 29, is expected to make a recommendation on closing the gap, according to PTI.

According to research conducted at the ICMR and other international research institutions, antibody levels decline after about six months following the primary vaccination with both doses, and giving a booster boosts the immune response.

The precaution dose is available to anyone over the age of 18 who has waited nine months after receiving the second dose.

“The gap between the second dose of COVID-19 vaccine and the precaution dose will most likely be reduced from nine months to six months soon, based on scientific evidence and findings from studies conducted here and abroad.” The final decision will be based on the recommendations of the NTAGI, which is scheduled to meet on Friday,” a source familiar with the situation told PTI.

From January 10, India began giving vaccine precaution doses to healthcare and frontline workers, as well as those aged 60 and older with comorbidities.

In March, the government removed the comorbidity clause, allowing anyone over the age of 60 to receive the precaution dose.

According to data from the Ministry of Health, 5,17,547 precaution doses have been given to people aged 18 to 59 years.

In addition, the vaccination was given to 4736567 healthcare workers, 7447184 frontline workers, and 14545595 people aged 60 and up. On April 10, India began administering COVID-19 vaccine precaution doses to all adults over the age of 18 at private vaccination centres.

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