Govt increases gap between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks

States told to ensure adherence to revised schedule

Four months into the Covid-19 vaccination drive, the Union government has extended the gap between two doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks from six to eight weeks. The move is based on additional data, particularly real life experience of the UK showing increased advantage with higher interval between shots, the health ministry said on Thursday. The gap between   Covishield doses, developed by AstraZeneca-Oxford University combine and manufactured by Pune-based Serum Institute of India, was tweaked once before as well from 30 days to six to eight weeks.   

  

The increased gap comes at a time when several states are grappling with