The centre on July 6 reduced the gap for the administration of COVID vaccine booster doses from the existing 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks.

The Union Health Ministry said that as per the recommendation, it has been decided all beneficiaries from 18-59 years will be administered the booster after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of the 2nd dose.

"In view of the evolving scientific evidence and global practices, the Standing Technical Sub Committee (STSCI) of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has recommended revising the duration between 2nd dose and precaution dose from existing 9 months or 39 weeks to 6 months or 26 weeks," it said, adding that the NTAGI has endorsed it.

"Therefore it has now been decided that the precaution dose for all beneficiaries from 18-59 years will be administered after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose at Private COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs)," the ministry said in a letter to the states.

It also said that for beneficiaries aged above 60 years and above as well as the Health Care Workers (HCWs) and Front Line Workers (FLWs), the precaution dose would be administered after completion of 6 months or 26 weeks from the date of administration of 2nd dose at government CVCs free of charge.

"Instructions in this regard may be issued to all the concerned officials and it may also be publicised widely. I look forward to your support and leadership for extending the benefits of precaution dose to all due beneficiaries at COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) as well as at the household level during the ongoing Har Ghar Dastak 2.0 Campaign," Union Health Secretary said in the letter.