Time between second COVID vaccination and booster dosage decreased from 9 to 6 months

In light of developing scientific facts and worldwide standards, the Union Health Ministry altered the interval between the second COVID vaccination dosage and the precautionary dose from 9 months to 6 months on Wednesday.

In June, the NTAGI’s Standing Technical Subcommittee (STSC) proposed shortening the gap between the second and precaution doses of COVID-19 vaccination.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated in a letter to states and union territories, “In light of evolving scientific evidence and global practises, the “Standing Technical Sub Committee” (STSC) of the “National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization” (NTAGI) has recommended revising the duration between the second dose and the precaution dose from the current 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks.” NTAGI has also supported this.”

“It has now been agreed that the cautionary dosage would be provided after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of the second dose at Private Covid Vaccination Centers (CVs) for all beneficiaries aged 18 to 59 years,” it said.

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The Health Secretary stated that for beneficiaries aged 60 and up, as well as Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Front Line Workers (FLWs), a precaution dosage will be supplied free of charge after 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of delivery of the second dose at Government CVCs.

“Corresponding adjustments in the CoWIN system have been made to accommodate the new dispensation.”

Instructions in this respect may be communicated to all relevant officials, and they may also be extensively publicised. “During the present Har Ghar Dastak 2.0 Campaign, I look forward to your help and leadership in providing the benefits of precaution dosage to all due recipients at Covid Vaccination Centers (CVCs) as well as at the household level,” Bhushan said in the letter.

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