Indian government extends gap between two doses of Covishield

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.