Covishield vaccine beneficiaries should now wait 12 to 16 weeks for their second dose

Dimapur, May 20 (EMN): The gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine has been extended from 6-8 weeks at present to 12 to 16 weeks “for better antibody response and protection”, according to revised guideline issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“Anyone who has already received the first dose will receive the second dose only at 12-16 weeks and appointment for second dose will not be possible before 84 days,” read the notice.

“Beneficiaries who have already booked for second dose online before 84 days on CoWIN may reschedule their appointments for a later date between 12-16 weeks. However, if the beneficiary insists on second dose vaccination as scheduled, he/ she may be allowed the 2nd dose vaccination before 84 days but this is strictly for beneficiaries who have made a prior online appointment in CoWIN,” it added.

The guideline was issued a week after Covid Working Group recommended extension of gap between two doses of vaccine to 12-16 weeks.

The Ministry had also stated in a separate update on Wednesday that Covid patients should take vaccine three months after recovery, and those who get infected after the first dose should wait for three months after recovery to avail their second dose.