Keralites Travelling Abroad Can Now Get Covishield Vaccine Faster, Know How

Under the current rules by the central government, the period between the first and the second vaccination cannot be less than 12 weeks. Thus, this will be a special provision for the people of Kerala state. 

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Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala government, on Friday, issued an order to provide Vaccination certificates with passport numbers to those travelling abroad for purposes such as jobs or higher studies. As per the order, someone who has got their first Covishield jab and needs a travel clearance for travelling abroad will be applicable to get their second dose within 4-6 weeks. 

Under the current rules by the central government, the period between the first and the second vaccination cannot be less than 12 weeks. Thus, this will be a special provision for the people of Kerala state. 

“A person who took Covishield jab and wants to get travel clearance will be eligible for second dose of Covishield after 4 to 6 weeks. Since currently Covid-19 portal does not permit to administer the second dose of Covishield within a period of less than 12 weeks, this is to be recorded separately by the districts," said the state government.

“Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already cleared Covishield vaccine, the same may be given as preference to people travelling abroad. Covishield vaccine will be provided from the vaccine procured by the State," the government said. 

Earlier, CM Pinarayi Vijayan had written to the centre that many travellers were facing issues as some foreign countries require Vaccination certificates with passport numbers printed on it. 

 The people applying for the second dose should submit certain documents like admission document for students, visa, job confirmation letter, or anything else. 

The health ministry of Kerala in a statement said, "All the issues were brought into the notice of Government of India to make provisions in CoWIN for permission to include passport details in CoWIN. It was also requested to give permission to the State Government to issue vaccination certificate with changes till provisions are made available in CoWIN. Further, it was requested to permit beneficiaries going abroad to take Covishield as per the previous schedule of 4–6 weeks and to make provisions in the CoWIN portal to document such vaccination given at 4 -6 weeks. However, no orders/letters are received from Government of India so far. In the above circumstances, Government has issued these directions."