New Delhi: In response to reports suggesting a shorter Vaccine window between two doses of COVISHIELD would be better in light of the expediting mutations, the government in a press release on Friday urged citizens not to panic on the need for an immediate change in the dose intervals.
“Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog has assured that there is no need for panic on the need for an immediate change in dosage interval.”- read the press release.
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This press issue was released after, Medical Advisor to the US President, Dr Fauci quoted that extending intervals between vaccine doses could leave people vulnerable to infection by one of the COVID-19 variants in circulation.
Addressing a media briefing, Dr Paul said, “There is no need for any panic, suggesting the need for immediate switchover or change in the gap between the doses. All these decisions must be taken very carefully. We must remember that when we increased the gap, we had to consider the risk posed by the virus to those who have received only one dose. But the counterpoint was that more people will then be able to get the first dose, thereby giving a reasonable degree of immunity to more people.”
He appealed to the public to respect the decisions taken by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), and avoid a discourse amongst people igniting panic.
The government last month had extended the Vaccine Window between doses of AstraZeneca(manufactured and sold in India as COVISHIELD) t0 12-16 weeks from the existing six-eight weeks.
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