Amid the Covid-19 fourth wave threat, the Centre announced to reduce the gap between second coronavirus vaccine dose and precaution dose from existing 9 months to 6 months for those above 18 years. In a letter to States and Union Territories, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “In view of the evolving scientific evidence and global practices, Standing Technical Sub Committee” (STSC) of “National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization” (NTAGI) has recommended to revise the duration between 2nd dose and precaution dose from existing 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks. This has also been endorsed by NTAGI.”
The Health Secretary added that for beneficiaries aged above 60 years and above as well as the Health Care Workers (HCWs) & Front Line Workers (FLWs), a precaution dose would be administered after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose at Government CVCs, free of charge.