National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTGAI) recommended increasing the gap between 2 doses of Covishield to 12 to 16 weeks. It may be noted that this is the 2nd time in three months that the gap between 2 doses has been widened.

No changes have yet been suggested for the interval between 2 doses of Covaxin which remains at 4 to 6 weeks. The NTGAI also said that pregnant women must be allowed to choose their vaccine. Currently pregnant women are not eligible to get the shots.

It has also been specified that those who have been detected with SARS-Cov-2 must defer vaccination for at least 6 months after recovery.

The recommendations will be sent to the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration (NEGVA) for approval.

There are different reactions to this as the centre has specified that the increased gap between 2 shots increases efficacy of the vaccine, where recommended changes to intervals are also being linked with shortage of vaccine supplies.

Source: ndtv and toi