Kochi, First Published Sep 6, 2021, 5:21 PM IST
Kochi: The High Court has reduced the interval between two doses of Kovishield vaccine. The High Court said that those interested can take the second dose of Kovishild after 28 days. However, the High Court said the exemption would not apply to free vaccines provided by the government.
The High Court ruled in favor of Kitex Group in a petition seeking to reduce the interval between vaccine doses. The Central Government had taken a stand in the High Court against reducing the interval of vaccine shield vaccine. However, the High Court has rejected this position.
When the vaccination process began in January 2021, the interval between two doses of the Kovshield vaccine was six weeks or 42 days. Later, the Union Ministry of Health extended the interval to 84 days. The government claimed that the interval was increased to increase the effectiveness of the vaccine.
The Kitex Group has approached the High Court seeking permission to immediately vaccinate its employees with the aim of preventing the spread of the disease. Kitex said they had purchased and stocked the vaccine for the entire staff and had been given the first dose, but could not keep the vaccine intact until the 84-day interval set by the government, so Kitex needed permission to give the second dose immediately.
The High Court ruled that the 84-day interval was not enforced nationwide. Students and other professionals who go abroad urgently are currently able to get the vaccine at 28-day intervals. It is not right to do justice to the citizens of the country in the case of two types of vaccine. The High Court ruled that those who receive the vaccine at their own expense should be allowed to take the second dose at least 28 days apart.
Those who receive the free vaccine through government hospitals can get the second dose of the vaccine at 84-day intervals as is currently the case. The High Court has also directed that the facility of booking slots with reduced vaccine interval should be included in the Covin app and website immediately.
The High Court had asked the Central Government why the 84-day interval was fixed. The Center had said that extending the interval would increase the benefits of Kovishild.
Last Updated Sep 6, 2021, 5:27 PM IST
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