Gap Between Second Covid Jab And Booster Dose Reduced To 6 Months For Adults: Health Ministry

The gap has been reduced from existing nine months to six months.

A health worker inoculates a beneficiary against Covid-19 ( Image Source :Getty Images )

New Delhi: The Union Health Ministry has reduced the gap between the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine and the precaution dose to six months from existing nine months for those above 18 years, news agency ANI reported. The decision comes in the wake of a surge in Covid cases in the country over the past few weeks.

Union Health Ministry reduces gap for COVID-19 precaution doses from existing 9 months to 6 months for those above 18 years pic.twitter.com/s7YmO3SwZh

— ANI (@ANI) July 6, 2022

A statement issued by the Health Ministry reads, “In view of evolving scientific evidence and global practices, “Standard Technical Sub Committee” of “National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization” (NTAGI) has recommended to revise the duration between 2^nd dose and precaution dose from existing nine months or 39 weeks to six months or 26 weeks. This has also been endorsed by NTAGI.”   

Notably, the NTAGI had earlier recommended reducing the gap between the doses and also reviewed data on Covaxin and Corbevax vaccines for the 6-12 age group.

So far, all those above the age of 18, who have completed nine months after the administration of the second Covid dose, were eligible for the Covid booster dose. However, those traveling abroad were given an exemption, depending on the requirement of the country they were visiting.

It is to be noted that the Union Health Ministry had announced on April 8 that all aged 18 years and above will be eligible to get the Covid vaccine booster doses at private vaccination centres starting from April 10.