DIMAPUR, MAY 20 (MExN): The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare today informed that the schedule for second dose vaccination of COVIDSHIELD vaccine has been revised from 12 to 16 weeks for better antibody response and protection.
A press release from the department said that anyone who has already received the first dose will receive the second dose only at 12-16 weeks and appointment for second dose will not be possible before 84 days.
Beneficiaries who have already booked for second dose online before 84 days in COWIN may reschedule their appointments for a later date between 12-16 weeks. However, if the beneficiary insists on second dose vaccination as scheduled, he/ she may be allowed the 2nd dose vaccination before 84 days but this is strictly for beneficiaries who have made a prior online appointment in COWIN.
Further online or on-site appointments will not be possible if the period after 1st dose date for a beneficiary is less than 84 days with effect from May 20.
The press release added that the guideline for COVID-19 vaccination is revised as and when adequate scientific data is available with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Delhi.
Vaccine deferment guidelines
A separate press release from the department also stated that the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) has made recommendations on deferring COVID-19 vaccination in certain cases.
In case of individuals having lab test proven SARS-2 COVID-19 illness, COVID-19 vaccination to be differed by 3 months after recovery.
In case of SARS-2 COVID-19 patients who have been given anti-SARS-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma, COVID-19 vaccination to be deferred by 3 months from discharge from the hospital.
In case of individuals who have received at least the 1st dose and got COVID-19 infection before completion of the dosing schedule, the 2nd dose should be deferred by 3 months from clinical recovery from COVID-19 illness.
Persons with any other serious general illness requiring hospitalization or ICU care should also wait for 4-8 weeks before getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Meanwhile persons can donate blood after 14 days of either receipt of COVID-19 vaccine or testing RT-PCR negative, if suffering from COVID-19 disease.
It further informed that COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for all lactating women; and there is no requirement for screening of the vaccine recipients by Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) prior to COVID-19 vaccination.
