'Based on scientific data': Harsh Vardhan on Covishield dose gap decision

India has a robust mechanism to evaluate data, says Union Health Minister

Covishield coronavirus vaccine | Photo: PTI

Discussions are underway whether India should revert to four or eight weeks interval for Covishield vaccine and the emerging evidence regarding efficacy of partial versus full immunisation is also being considered, Chairman of India’s COVID-19 Working Group of NTAGI, Dr N K, Arora said. He stressed that the decision to increase the gap between two doses of Covishield from 4-6 weeks to 12-16 weeks was based on scientific decision and there was no dissenting voice among the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) members.

“COVID-19 and the vaccination are very dynamic. Tomorrow, if the vaccine platform tells us that a narrower interval is better for our people, even if the benefit is 5%-10%, the Committee will take the decision on the basis of merit and its wisdom.On the other hand, if it turns out that the current decision is fine, we will continue with it,” Arora said. Meanwhile, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said the issue is being ‘politicised’.

“Decision to increase the gap between administering 2 doses of COVISHIELD has been taken in a transparent manner based on scientific data. India has a robust mechanism to evaluate data. It’s unfortunate that such an important issue is being politicised!,” said Vardhan on Twitter. The decision to increase the gap lay in the fundamental scientific reason regarding behaviour of adenovector vaccines, a Health Ministry statement quoted him as telling DD News.

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