Allow second COVISHIELD dose after 4 weeks for those who want it early, Kerala HC tells Centre

The observations and directions of the court came while allowing the plea by Kitex Garments Ltd, seeking permission to administer the second dose of COVISHIELD vaccine to its workers without having to wait for 84 days.

Kochi: The Kerala High Court has directed the Centre to allow scheduling, on CoWIN portal, of the second COVISHIELD dose after four weeks from the first for those who want to take it earlier than the present suggested gap of 84 days. Justice P B Suresh Kumar said that if the central and state governments can permit persons traveling abroad to choose between early and better protection from COVID-19, there is no reason why the same privilege cannot be extended to those here who want early protection in connection with their employment or education. The high court, in its order dated September 3 which was made available on Monday, said that even according to the Union Health Ministry's policy the people shall have the choice to get early vaccination, for the implementation of which vaccine is being distributed on payment basis through private hospitals as well.