Good scientific decision: Adar Poonawalla on increase in gap between Covishield doses

The Covid Working Group chaired by Dr N K Arora had recommended an extension of the gap between the first and second doses of Covishield vaccine to 12-16 weeks.

In an interview with English news channel NDTV, Poonawalla reacted, "This is beneficial both from the efficacy and the immunogenicity standpoint. This is a very good move because this is based on data that the government received on the basis of which they made a good scientific decision to increase the gap."
 

This is the second time in three months the gap between the doses of Covishield has been increased.

In March, the states and union territories were asked to increase the gap from 28 days to six-eight weeks for "better results".

The increase in the gap between the two doses came at a time India, which is known for its vaccine productions, is facing an acute shortage of vaccines in the face of a massive spike in Covid-19 cases.

However, no change has been recommended by the panel for the other vaccine available in India, Bharat Biotech's Covaxin.

Congress slams Modi government

Congress, which is already cornering the Narendra Modi government over its handling of the second wave of Covid-19, have slammed the Centre for repeatedly changing the interval time between the two doses.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh tweeted, "First, it was 4 weeks for the 2nd dose, then 6-8 weeks and now we are told 12-16 weeks. Is this because there are not enough stocks of the vaccines for all who are eligible or because professional scientific advice says so? Can we expect some transparency from the Modi Govt?"

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor tweeted, "Govt panel's announcement of 12-16 weeks between Covishield shots follows the UK recommending 8-12 weeks in Dec & @WHO saying 8-12 weeks in Feb. GOI had first decreed 4 weeks, then 6-8 weeks. Could GOI pls explain to the public the science behind their 12-16 weeks recommendation?"