While the move to widen the gap between two Covishield doses has sparked a lot of debate over whether the decision was made on a scientific basis or because of a vaccine shortage, the government has allowed some categories to have the second vaccination before the prescribed interval of 84 days.
Last week that Standard Operating Instructions (SOPs) issued by the Union government, which allows individuals planning to travel overseas for educational purposes to take up employment and, as part of the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Olympics, take the second dose of Covishield before the required 12 to 16 week time.
But even in these cases, according to the SOPs, the second dose is not administered until 28 days after the first Covishield dose.
Are you planning a trip abroad? Check if you are entitled to an early second dose of Covishield
1. Students who have to travel abroad for educational purposes
The center has allowed students who must Travel abroad for educational purposesto receive the second Covishield dose before the prescribed 84 day break, but not before 28 days from the first dose.
In the SOPs of last week it says: “The competent authority checks on the basis of documents on admission offers or the associated formal communications whether a period of 28 days has passed after the date of the first dose and whether the purpose of the trip is genuine for education.”
The competent authority will also check whether a person is already studying at a foreign educational institution and has to return there for further training, according to the SOPs.
2. Those who have to take jobs abroad
The special regulation of a reduced gap between Covishield doses has also been granted to people who intend to travel abroad for work. According to a government announcement, those who need to take up employment abroad can get their second dose of Covishield before the 84-day break.
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3rd Olympic squad
With the Olympic Games in Tokyo just around the corner, the government has also approved Athletes, athletes and the accompanying staff of the Indian contingent Participate in the Games to obtain a syringe of the Covishield vaccine under this agreement.
However, the government said that for all of these specific categories, the second Covishield dose would not be given until 28 days after the date of the first dose, adding that this facility should be available to those who need to travel internationally for these stated purposes in the period up to 31.08.
How is vaccination done in such cases?
According to the Ministry of Health, in such cases a vaccination can be carried out through the passport, which is one of the permitted identification documents according to the guidelines, so that the passport number is printed on the vaccination card.
However, if the passport was not used when the first Covishield dose was administered, the “details of the photo ID used for vaccination will be printed on the vaccination card and the passport number in the vaccination card has not been mentioned,” says the SOPs.
ALSO READ | Decision on the Covishield gap made transparently, based on scientific knowledge: Center
It also said: If necessary, the competent authority can issue another certificate in which the vaccination certificate is linked to the beneficiary’s passport number.
Mentioning the vaccine type as “Covishield” is sufficient, further qualifying entries in the vaccination cards are not required, it said.
Row over the Covishield dose gap
The Government of India’s National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) decided on May 13th to extend the interval between two Covishield doses to 12-16 weeks, citing “scientific evidence”.
However, the government’s move has drawn criticism as experts believe the move is aimed at addressing the temporary shortage of doses.
Dr. NK Arora, chairman of NTAGI, has claimed that the decision to widen the dose gap has been scientifically proven. On Wednesday, Dr. Arora: “Other countries like Canada and Sri Lanka have opted for this gap of 12 to 16 weeks. Studies have shown that the effectiveness of the vaccine, even against the alpha variant, remains similar in partially or fully vaccinated people. The data shows that too. ”Giving both doses quickly can actually decrease antibodies. Primarily, this was intended to be a single dose vaccine. “
“We cite scientific evidence and we all have our own credibility,” said the NTAGI chairman.
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