Extending the gap between the two doses of Covishield vaccine is a ‘reasonable approach’ said, Dr. Anthony Fauci the White House Chief medical adviser. The expert added that, the key to end the crisis in India is possible by ramping up the Covid-19 vaccination drive.
The government of India on Thursday said that the gap between Covishield’s first & second doses has been increased. The gap between two doses has be extended from the existing 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks’ time.
This is the second time in three months that Covishield dosage intervals have been widened. However, the move has once again gathered criticism as a cover-up for not having enough vaccines.
However, Dr Fauci further added even from the efficacy standpoint the ‘extended interval’ is beneficial. India needs to collaborate with other countries to speed up the vaccination production, he further added.
The country is currently witnessing a devastating increase in the Covid19 with record-breaking cases and deaths and the healthcare system needs to cope up with the high demand of medical oxygen and hospital beds.
Union government has accepted the recommendation for extension of the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks. The present one is 6-8 weeks.
The Union Health Ministry said in a statement on Thursday that the decision was based on “available real-life evidence particularly from the U.K. The COVID-19 working group chaired by N.K. Arora recommended increasing the dosing interval to 12-16 weeks between two doses of Covishield vaccine while suggesting no change in interval of Covaxin vaccine doses.’’