VK Paul had mentioned it was a science-based resolution taken on the suggestions of the NTAGI. (File)
New Delhi:
The resolution relating to enhancing interval between two doses of Covishield was primarily based on scientific proof and brought in a clear method, NTAGI Chair N Okay Arora mentioned on Tuesday.
There was no dissenting voice among the many members of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI ), he mentioned, in response to a tweet by the Union Health Ministry.
The authorities had on May 13 mentioned it has accepted the COVID-19 Working Group’s advice and prolonged the hole between the 2 doses of the Covishield vaccine from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks.
“Based on the available real-life evidence, particularly from the UK, the COVID-19 Working Group agreed for increasing the dosing interval to 12-16 weeks between two doses of Covishield vaccine. No change in the interval of Covaxin vaccine doses was recommended,” the ministry had mentioned in an announcement.
“The recommendation of the COVID-19 Working Group was accepted by the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC), headed by Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog, in its meeting on May 12, 2021,” the ministry mentioned.
It has accepted this advice of the COVID-19 Working Group of extension of the hole between the primary and second doses of Covishield to 12-16 weeks, the well being ministry added.
Explaining the rationale behind the extension, VK Paul had mentioned at a press convention that it was a science-based resolution taken on the suggestions of the NTAGI.
He mentioned as per research, initially, the interval between two doses of Covishield was 4 to 6 weeks however then as extra information grew to become accessible secondary evaluation confirmed growing the dosage interval to 4 to eight weeks can have some benefit.
VK Paul mentioned the UK by that point had already prolonged it to 12 weeks and WHO additionally had mentioned the identical, however many countries nonetheless didn’t change the dosage sample.
“At that time, our science-based technical committee anchored by ICMR along with DBT by looking at the available data felt breakthrough infections may increase if the gap is increased (to 12 weeks).”
So in good religion, primarily based on their functionality, with none pressures, they elevated the dosage interval to 4 to eight weeks. The concern was reviewed periodically many times.
“Now based on the available real-life evidence, particularly from the UK, the decision to extend it from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks has been taken with confidence that there will not be an extra risk. This is a dynamic decision and part of periodic review,” VK Paul had mentioned.
Underlining that NTAGI is a standing committee that was constituted a lot earlier than COVID-19 had emerged and works on immunization for kids, VK Paul had mentioned, ” It looks at scientific data and we must respect the decision of this institution.”
“They make independent decisions. Have faith in our scientific processes. NTGAI is a group of individuals of high integrity.”
