The Union Health Ministry on Wednesday revised the duration between the second COVID vaccine dose and precautionary dose from the existing 9 months to 6 months.
In June, the NTAGI’s Standing Technical Subcommittee (STSC) recommended reducing the gap between the COVID-19 vaccine’s second and precaution doses.
In a letter to States and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “In view of the evolving scientific evidence and global practices, “Standing Technical Sub Committee” (STSC) of “National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization” (NTAGI) has recommended to revise the duration between 2nd dose and precaution dose from existing 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks. This has also been endorsed by NTAGI.”
“It has now been decided that the precaution dose for all beneficiaries from 18-59 years will be administered after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose at Private Covid Vaccination Centers (CVs),” it added.
The Health Secretary said that a precaution dosage will be provided at no cost to beneficiaries 60 years of age and older, as well as Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Front Line Workers (FLWs), after a 6-month or 26-week period following the administration of the second dose at Government CVCs.