Kerala HC seeks Centre’s response on 84-day gap between Covishield shots: Based on availability or efficacy?
The court asked the Centre whether the 84-day gap between two doses of Covishield was based on availability of the vaccine or its higher efficacy by waiting for a longer period.
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FollowThe Kerala High Court on Tuesday sought the Centre’s response on what basis the 84-day gap between two doses of Covishield had been prescribed.
The court asked the Centre whether the 84-day gap between two doses of Covishield was based on availability of the vaccine or its higher efficacy by waiting for a longer period.
A single-judge Bench comprising Justice PB Suresh Kumar was hearing a plea by Kitex Garments Ltd seeking permission to administer the second dose of Covishield vaccine to its workers without following the 84 day-gap.
The judge also said that if efficacy was the reason for the gap, then he was “worried” as he was administered the second dose within 4-6 weeks of the first dose.
"If it is a matter of availability, there is no reason to prevent the petitioner, who has already purchased the vaccine. Not only this petitioner, but hundreds of people who can afford to purchase directly are waiting on account of this restriction," the Court said as reported by Bar and Bench.
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State government submitted a report to the court stating that it was following the Central government's vaccine policy and unless the Centre altered its policy, it could not allow narrowing down the gaps.
The Bench further stated that if efficacy was the reason, then the scientific data in support of it should be provided.
Subsequently, the lawyer for the Centre sought more time to answer the court’s query.
The Kerala government had previously relaxed the prevailing protocol for people going abroad.
The court adjourned the hearing in the case to Thursday.
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