Confusion galore over Govt notice on second dose vaccination
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, June 12 2021: Amid the pressure of slow progress in the ongoing inoculation drive against Covid-19, a press release issued by state health society, National Health Mission, Manipur on Friday has created confusion among several people, especially in the age group of 18 to 44 years.

The press release issued by NHM state mission director Dr N Shyamjai asked all eligible 18 years and above beneficiaries who have taken the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine to get the second dose at the earliest at designated Covid-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs).

Vaccination for 18-44 years category began only on May 17 due to shortage of vaccine doses though the Centre had announced commencement of vaccination from May 1.It is not yet four weeks since the vaccination for this age group started and many are questioning why the government statement is asking the beneficiaries to get the second dose at the earliest.

In the second para, the press release stated: "It is also to be noted that the eligibility for the 2nd dose of Covid-19 vaccine is between 12 to 16 weeks (Covishield) after 1st dose.

A timely completion of vaccination schedule is important for conferring full protection to the beneficiaries".

The conflicting nature of the press statement, which seems like a paradox, has put many in a dilemma.

Many are confused, whether one should get the second dose at the earliest as mentioned in the first or to wait for 12 weeks as stated in the second para.

Some have even got the second dose just after four weeks of the first jab.

According to state nodal officer (immunisation) Dr Manihar, the press release was issued as a general reminder to all beneficiaries, who received their first dose and have completed the 12 weeks gap to get the second dose as soon as possible.

The term '18 years' was mentioned since vaccination is being conducted for all adults who have attained 18 years but it does not mean that those who have not completed the mandatory gap of 12 weeks are eligible to get the second dose, he explained.

He then urged the public to wait for the 12 weeks' gap for maximum efficacy from the vaccine.

Sources said that several people are getting their second dose of vaccine without completing the 12-week gap.

One such beneficiary told The People's Chronicle that he went for the second dose early thinking that the efficacy might be more or less same since earlier guideline suggested a gap of 4 to 6 weeks only.

He believes that the extended gap might be triggered by vaccine shortage in the country so he thought it wiser to get the second shot when there are adequate stocks of vaccine, he confided.

In this regard, Dr Manihar said that getting the second dose after a short gap does not affect the body but new study suggests that the efficacy level increases if the second dose is taken during 12 to 16 weeks.

Those, who have already confirmed appointment for second dose, people going for Tokyo Olympic or foreign travel are also eligible to get the second dose after four weeks as a special arrangement for them.

Other than these groups of people, nobody can get their slot from CoWin portal for the second dose without completing the 12-week gap.

Even if they get the shot somehow, they will not get vaccination certificate, he added.

Mention may be made that at the time of launching the vaccine in the country, the government fixed the gap between the two doses to 4 to 6 weeks.

Recently, the gap was amended as 12 to 16 weeks.

However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for Covishield issued at the time of launching the vaccine suggest a gap of 8 to 12 weeks between the two doses to get maximum efficacy from the vaccine.

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