Precautionary doses for all beneficiaries in the age group of 18-59 years will be given after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of the second dose at private COVID Vaccination Centers (CVCs).
New Delhi: The Center has reduced the gap from the existing 9 months or 6 months for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose. The Union Health Ministry said that as per the recommendation, it has been decided that all the beneficiaries in the age group of 18-59 years will be given a booster shot after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of the second dose.
“Given evolving scientific evidence and global practices, the Standing Technical Sub-Committee of the National Technical Advisory Group (NTAGI) on Immunization (STSCI) recommended revising the period between the second dose and the precautionary dose from the existing 9 months or 39 weeks. Up to 6 months or 26 weeks,” the ministry said in a letter to the states, adding that NTAGI has supported it.
“Therefore, it has now been decided that a precautionary dose will be given to all the beneficiaries in the age group of 18-59 years after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of the second dose in Private COVID Vaccination Centers (CVCs),” the ministry said.
It also states that for beneficiaries aged 60 years and above, as well as health care workers (HCWs) and front line workers (FLWs), the precautionary dosage is 6 months from the date of administration or after completion of 26 weeks will be administered. The second dose is free of cost in Government CVC.
“Directions in this regard may be issued to all concerned authorities and may also be given wide publicity. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “I look forward to your support and leadership in extending the benefit of precautionary doses to all the beneficiaries during the ongoing Har Ghar Dastak 2.0 campaign at the COVID Vaccination Centers (CVCs) as well as at the household level.” Letter.
Corresponding changes have been made to the Cowin system to facilitate the new vaccine regime.
