Health ministry reduces gap for precaution dose
The Union Health Ministry has taken a big decision regarding vaccination. The ministry has reduced the gap between the second dose of anti-Covid vaccine and the precautionary dose from 9 months to 6 months for people above 18 years. In a statement issued by the ministry, it has been said that in view of the scientific evidence and global medical practice, the Standing Technical Sub Committee (STSC) of the National Technical Advisory Group on Anti-Covid Vaccination (NTAGI) has decided to recommend the second dose and the precautionary dose. Changes were recommended in the intervening period.
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) also approved this recommendation, after which the Union Health Ministry implemented it. Now under the new order, the gap between the second and precautionary dose of the anti-Covid vaccine has been reduced to 6 months from the current 9 months. The Union Health Ministry has said that it has now been decided that all the beneficiaries in the age group of 18 to 59 years will be given a precautionary dose after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of second dose in private COVID vaccination centers.
The health ministry says that the precautionary dose will be given free of cost after 6 months from the date of second dose to the health care workers and front line workers along with the beneficiaries 60 years and above as well as health care workers and front line workers. Changes have been made to the COWIN system of vaccination to facilitate the new system. The ministry has asked all the concerned officers to issue instructions in this regard.
