(a) the number of people who are completely vaccinated against COVID-19;
(b) whether the Government has taken steps to expedite the provision of booster doses for vaccinated people, particularly the co-morbid population and if so, the details thereof;
(c) the expected timeline for completion of booster shots to such category;
(d) whether the Government has taken steps to reduce the gap between Covishield doses; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR MANSUKH MANDAVIYA)
(a) to (e) A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO. 181* FOR 10TH DECEMBER, 2021
(a) to (e): As on 6th December 2021, about 80.02 crore eligible beneficiaries (85.2%) (i.e., persons aged 18 years & above) have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and 47.91 crore (51.0%) have received both the doses of the vaccine.
The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and considering scientific evidences related to dose schedule of Covid-19 vaccines and the need for justification for booster dose.
The dose interval between the two doses of Covishield vaccine, which is 12 to 16 weeks, based on scientific evidences and recommended by NEGVAC, has been reduced for exceptional circumstances only for administration prior to the prescribed interval (after 28 days but before 84 days):
• Students who have to undertake foreign travel for the purpose of education
• Persons who have to take up jobs in foreign countries
• Travel for urgent purposes such as for availing treatment services for any health problem.
• Indian Government officials mandated to attend official commitments abroad
• Foreign nationals who have to return to their country and for whom the mandatory 84 days’ period after the first dose vaccination for Covishield has not elapsed.
*****