Accepting the recommendation of the government's expert panel, the central government on Thursday increased the gap between two doses of the Covishield vaccine to 12 - 16 weeks from the earlier 6 - 8 weeks gap.

The Union health ministry reportedly mentioned in a statement, "Based on available real-life evidence, particularly from the United Kingdom, the COVID-19 Working Group has agreed to increase dosing interval between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks. No change in intervals for Covaxin was recommended." The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) had recommended a change in the time interval between two doses of Covishield, but did not suggest a change in the gap between two doses of Covaxin. "Gap between 2 doses of #CovishieldVaccine has been increased to 12-16 weeks from 6-8 weeks currently. Decision has been taken based on recommendations given by Covid working group after analysing emerging evidence," Union health minister Harsh Vardhan said.

A study published in the international medical journal 'The Lancet' on February 19 suggested a 26.2% increase in efficacy - from 55.1% to 81.3% - if doses were spaced 12 or more weeks apart. On January 3, two vaccines - Bharat Biotech's Covaxin and Oxford-AstraZeneca's Covishield manufactured by Serum Institute of India - were approved by India for restricted emergency use.