Kerala HC cancels the order allowing the administration of a second vaccine before the 84-day interval

Kerala HC cancels the order allowing the administration of a second vaccine before the 84-day interval.

The bench of the Supreme Court Chief Justice S Manikumar’s division upheld the Union Government’s position that the 84-day gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine was fixed on the recommendation of the Global Advisory Committee on Vaccine Safety. The Center had told the court that the gap ensured better efficacy of the vaccine.

The division bank acted on an appeal filed by the Union Government against the verdict of the single bank of September this year, which allowed the administration of the second dose of the Covishield vaccine before the prescribed interval of 84 days.

The issue came before Kerala’s high court in August this year after Kochi-based KITEX Garments sought a relaxation in the 84-day window to administer the second dose of Covishield to its employees. The company had purchased the required number of doses for its employees, but was unable to opt for the second dose as the state government did not allow the jab before the stipulated interval expired.

Judge PB Suresh Kumar’s single bench had asked whether the interval between the two doses was intended to ensure the efficacy of the vaccine or whether it was due to a shortage in supply.

Earlier, in allowing KITEX’s petition, Judge PB Suresh Kumar said: “However, I have not considered the question of whether a person has the right to choose between early protection and better protection against Covid-19 infection in what regarding accepting the free vaccine. ” provided by the Government. ”

The judge said that the registered material shows that the Center has relaxed the time interval between the two doses for students who have to take a trip abroad for educational purposes, for people who must accept jobs in foreign countries, and for athletes, athletes. and the accompanying staff of the Indian contingent for the Tokyo Olympics.