Citizens wary of gap between doses, experts back govt move

RANCHI: Soon after the Union health ministry increased the gap between the two doses of Covishield from four-six weeks to eight to 12 weeks, beneficiaries in the state are a confused lot over the efficacy of the vaccine they have taken or are supposed to take.
TOI spoke to several beneficiaries, most of them aged between 46 and 60 years, who have been administered their first jab and are currently waiting for their second dose. They said they do not understand the logic behind the decision while elderlies are concerned if the vaccine will be effective against the virus in days to come with the gap of 84 days between two doses.
Rakesh Kumar, a professor said, “I was infected and my condition had deteriorated during the last wave after which I took the first dose post recovery. I was supposed to take the second dose on Tuesday but with the new decision I guess I will not be eligible the does after four weeks.”
Expressing his doubts, Kumar said, “If it is beneficial to take the second dose after 10 weeks then what about others who have taken them at a gap of 28 days and 42 days?”
Indu Choubey, a homemaker who got herself inoculated a month ago, was worried for her children and said, “My daughter went for her first dose on Monday and she said that she will be taking the dose only after three months. However, I was administered the vaccine within 40 days of the first dose. Why is the government taking such decisions and will it reduce the efficacy of the vaccine?”
Even as beneficiaries remained confused over the efficacy and strategy of the government in increasing the gap between the two doses of Covishield, healthcare experts supported the move and said the situation remains dynamic on vaccination and government has taken a right decision. They also conceded that the gap will also provide time to prepare the healthcare system as covering the targeted population is a herculean task.
Talking to TOI, public health expert and professor of preventive and social medicine at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (Rims) Dr Devesh Kumar said, “The decision to increase the gap between the doses is correct as it is based on a study which has been concluded recently. People shouldn’t be worried about the efficacy of the vaccine as they start developing antibodies from the first shot itself and the second shot acts as a reactivator for the immune response developed by the vaccine. The efficacy remains intact and people who are going to take it after a gap of 12 weeks will surely benefit from it.”
Adding further, he said, “The changes in the gap between two doses are a result of scientific study worldwide and it remains dynamic as the pandemic is still evolving.”