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Indian government reduces the second jab gap for those who have to travel abroad in light of the current situation. Students, working professionals and athletes who are planning to go abroad this year can now get their second dose of vaccine sooner! The introduction of COVID-19 vaccines has definitely been a sign of relief for many individuals, especially those who want to study abroad or complete their studies in the host countries.
Currently, two vaccines are available in India are the Covaxin and the Covishield. However, the jab gap between the doses is quite long for both vaccines. The Indian state governments, as well as the Union Government, has decided to reduce the time difference between the two doses of vaccination for smooth functioning of all the events taking care of the future of the country and to ensure that all Indian aspirants can join their programmes for the upcoming September intake 2021!
News Provisions by the Government for the Jab Gap
The government’s decision to reduce the jab gap for travel abroad means a significant amount to international students who want to go study and settle in countries like the UK, USA and Canada. All the states have been directed to designate a competent authority in each district to allow the expedited second dose of Covishield.
They will have to ensure that there exists a minimum gap of 28 days between the two doses and the purpose of travel is genuine. Documents pertaining to admission offers from universities abroad, job offer letters, or nomination papers to participate in the Olympics will be verified accordingly. The health ministry’s SOP’s have clearly advised the use of the passport as one of the crucial identification documents for vaccination. The passport number will be printed on the vaccination certificate itself. But it doesn’t matter if any other identity paper was used to obtain the first dose.
The government reduced jab gap for travel abroad is due to the number of students and professionals who have applied to foreign universities and for jobs and want the government to ensure safe travel for all. All technical protocols, including adverse events following immunisation monitoring, will have to be strictly followed as suggested by the authorities.
Latest Updates on Vaccinations
“The Co-WIN system will soon provide the facility for the administration of 2nd dose in such exceptional cases…,” the health ministry statement recorded “A person who took a Covishield jab and wants to get travel clearance will be eligible for a second dose of Covishield after 4 to 6 weeks. Since currently Covid-19 portal does not permit administering the second dose of Covishield within a period of fewer than 12 weeks, this is to be recorded separately by the districts,” said the Maharashtra state government.
District Medical Officer is authorised as the competent authority to issue such certificates of vaccination in the prescribed format, the order stated. Many other state governments have also taken the initiative.
“Since the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already cleared Covishield vaccine, the same may be given as preference to people travelling abroad. Covishield vaccine will be provided from the vaccine procured by the State,” the Kerala government said.
“While everyone has agreed to consult further and arrange, we are also looking forward as Department of Protocol to consult with Missions of destination countries to ensure that our students from Maharashtra who have obtained admissions abroad can fly safe and smooth to unis abroad,” Uddhav Thackeray, the Chief Minister of Maharashtra added.
48 Days Gap Reduced to 28 Days!
The Union health ministry had discussed the matter of receiving a second dose of Covisheild for such Indians who had got their first dose of Covishield and whose date of intended travel abroad was before the minimum 84-day gap for the second jab. This minimum gap will be reduced to 28 days under a special dispensation given to “students who have to undertake foreign travel for the purposes of education; persons who have to take up jobs in foreign countries and athletes, sportspersons and accompanying staff of Indian contingent attending Tokyo Olympics,” the Union health ministry said in a statement.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, the chairman of the Centre’s Covid-19 working group had backed the move to extend the gap between two doses of Covid-19. Citing data from the UK and Canada, Dr NK Arora said that extending the gap between doses would lead to the increased immune response to the virus.
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So this was all regarding the recent announcement made by the Health Ministry of India and the government reduces the second jab gap for travel abroad. So don’t stop yourself due to the pandemic! Push yourself towards a better future but only after getting successfully vaccinated by the doses of Covishield or Covaxin. If you are concerned about the new travel rules and restrictions then get in touch with our experts at 1800 572 000 and follow Leverage Edu on Facebook, Youtube, Instagram for more news updates!
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