IT News
Imphal, June 8:
The time interval between 1st dose and 2nd dose Covid-19 vaccination has been relaxed for people intending to undertake International travel either for education purpose or for joining employment in foreign countries or for India’s contingent to Tokyo Olympic. This class of people don’t require to wait for 84 days for the 2nd jab after getting the first jab as they are permitted to get the 2nd dose vaccination after 28 days.
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued SoPs in connection with the vaccination after getting a recommendation from the National Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC).
To a letter forwarded to all the state government and Union Territories of the country, Secretary of the MoHFW, Rajesh Mishra, all states/UTs are ordered to follow the new SoP in connection for the relaxation of the time interval between 1st and 2nd dose for specific groups of people.
It may be mentioned that a guideline issued by the Government of India dated May 16, 2021 had set 84 days ( 12-16 weeks) as an interval for the 1st and second dose. With the new SOP dated June 7, it is clear that time interval sets between the 1st and 2nd doses can be 28 days, and extending the time interval between 1st and 2nd dose to 84 days for common people has not been scientifically explained.
The latest SOP for vaccination issued by the MoHFW, Govt. of India, however, stated that relaxation for the time interval between the 1st and 2nd dose covid-19 vaccine will be allowed to only genuine international travellers.
Among the so called genuine international travellers, which the special dispensation will be made available are – Students who have to undertake foreign travel for the purpose of education; persons who have to take up jobs in foreign countries Athletes, Sportspersons and accompanying staff of the contingent attending the International Olympic game to be held at Tokyo.
The MoHFW, Govt. of India has also directed all states and Union territories to designate a competent authority in each district for according permission for such administration of second dose of Covid Vaccine.
This class of people should be well monitored on whether they had taken the 1st dose 28 days earlier and also to verify the purpose of the travel based on the valid documents.
The new SOP further stated that Co-WIN system will soon provide facilities for administration of 2nd dose in such exceptional cases.
