India to retain 4-6 weeks gap for second shot of Covishield

India will continue with the interval of four-six weeks for the administration of the two doses of the Covishield vaccine, NITI Aayog member VK Paul said on Wednesday. The expert group that looked at the international data has recommended “no change” in the existing interval, Paul told ET. “All I can say with full responsibility is that the scientific basis on which these decisions have to be made are being fully addressed by an independent and very competent group of scientists,” he said.

He said the expert group not only looked at the international data but also a bridging trial in India on 1,600 individuals. “Keeping everything in mind, this decision has been taken and if there is a revision recommended by this group, the government will embrace it. I can assure you that work is being done with full seriousness and this is a work in progress as well,” said Paul.

India decided to go ahead with the existing dose interval, despite evidence suggesting better efficacy when the second booster shot is given after eight to 12 weeks.