The ever changing recommended time interval between the 1st and 2nd dose of Covishield vaccination is very confusing.
I took my first dose on April 12. The hand-written vaccination certificate which was issued to me by the vaccine administering PHC mentioned that my 2nd dose should be taken between May 25 to June 7 (6-8 weeks).
However, the vaccination certificate which I downloaded from the Aarogya Setu App mentioned the 2nd dose date to be between May 10 to June 7 (4-8 weeks).
Accordingly, I went to the PHC on May 15, for my 2nd dose. I was shocked when the doctor turned me back stating that as per the latest circular issued by the govt, the time interval between the two doses is now 12-16 weeks.
Such seemingly arbitrary decisions will surely affect many citizens, especially those who need to travel overseas, since citizens who had taken the 1st dose are now left with no choice then to wait.
One class of workers who are directly affected are the seafarers. Several of them are awaiting the 2nd dose for rejoining their vessels.
The latest circular should be urgently reviewed by the government and all frontline workers should be administered the 2nd dose of at an earlier interval.
I urge the Directorate General Of Shipping and the Indian seafarers unions to take note of this development and take up the issue with the all concerned authorities.
