The Union Health Ministry on Tuesday (June 1) clarified that there will be no mixing of COVID-19 vaccines in India until enough scientific evidence on its effectiveness is gathered.
It also clarified that there is no change in its SOP for vaccination, and all beneficiaries will get two doses of Covishield and Covaxin.
The clarification came after several reports indicated that the government might go for changes in its vaccination strategy.
Addressing a press briefing, Dr VK Paul, Member (health) Niti Aayog and a key member of the government’s Covid-19 task force said, “Mixing of vaccine is not the protocol yet, same vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin) to be administered for both doses. Stick to the SOP.”
He added that international research is underway on the mixing of vaccines and the possibility of a positive effect is plausible, however, a harmful reaction cannot be ruled out either.
“It is an unresolved scientific question, science will settle it,” Dr VK Paul said.
There's international research underway on the mixing of vaccines as the possibility of a positive effect is also plausible but a harmful reaction cannot be ruled out either. It is an unresolved scientific question, science will settle it: Union Health Ministry
— ANI (@ANI) June 1, 2021
He further said that there is no change in the schedule of Covishield doses. “It will be two doses only. After the first Covishield dose is administered, second dose will be given after 12 weeks. The same schedule is applicable to Covaxin,” Dr Paul said.
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