New Delhi: The government is likely to reduce the gap between the second dose of the covid-19 vaccine and the precautionary dose from the current period of nine months to six months, official sources told news agency PTI on Wednesday. They further added that a recommendation on reducing the gap is expected to be made by the National Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) which will hold a meeting on April 29.
According to the studies conducted at ICMR and other international research institutions, the antibody level wanes after six months from the primary vaccination with both doses, and giving a booster increases the immune response to the virus.
“Taking into account the scientific evidence and findings of the studies done here and internationally, the gap between the second dose of covid-19 vaccine and the precaution dose will most likely be reduced from the current nine months to six months soon. A final decision will be taken based on the recommendations by the NTAGI which is set to meet on Friday," a source in the know of the developments told PTI.
As of now, all the people aged above 18 years of age who have completed the nine months after the administration of the second dose are eligible for the precaution dose.
India began administering precaution doses of the vaccines to healthcare and frontline workers and those above the age of 60 years with comorbidities from January 10, 2022. However, the comorbidity clause was removed in March and the age marker was lowered in April. Though, those aged above 18 years can take the precautionary dose only at private vaccination centers.
As per the data shared by the health ministry, 5,17,547 precaution doses have been administered in the age group 18-59 years so far.
Apart from that, 47,36,567 healthcare workers, 74,47,184 frontline workers, and 1,45,45,595 individuals above the age of 60 years have taken the precaution shot.