Shimla, May 14, 2021:
A Spokesperson of the Health Department informed here today that a communication has been received from the Government of India regarding the increase in the interval between the first dose and the second dose of Covishield vaccination. He informed that as per the recommendations of NTAGI and NEGVAC, the second dose of Covishield is to be given to the beneficiary after a time interval of 12 to 16 weeks after the first dose. He further added that this regime would be followed in Himachal Pradesh where Covishield vaccines are being given to the beneficiaries. The requisite changes in the Co-WIN portal would be made shortly in the State. He appealed that the beneficiaries who have already taken the first dose and are due for the second dose should wait for 12 to 16 weeks as per the new recommendations.
He further informed that the vaccination in the age group of 18-44 years will be provided only to those individuals from 17th May onwards who have successfully booked their appointment according to the availability of the session on the COWIN portal. He clarified that those who might have registered earlier on the COWIN portal will have to book their appointment again and schedule their session. He appealed to all the persons between age group of 18-44 that they should go to session site as per their schedule only and unnecessary crowding should be avoided at the session site, as no injection will be given without pre booked appointment.