Gap between two doses of Covishield reduced for those Indians going abroad to study

A reduction in gap has been announced between two Covishield doses for Indians with plans to study abroad and will be valid for students who have to travel till August 31, 2021. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has decided that the stipulated gap of 12-16 weeks between the two doses of Covishield vaccine will be reduced for certain special categories which includes people travelling for studies, jobs, or the Olympics.

Special authorities will be assigned in each district n to ensure that a minimum 28 day period has elapsed after the first dose of Covishield before administering the second dose of the vaccine. The CoWIN portal will also be upgraded to accommodate these cases. Students need to carry valid proof i.e. foreign university admission certificate, visa, CAS, 1-20 or DS-160 form, or any document obtained from the concerned university for obtaining a visa. Students studying abroad, who came to India and need to return, they will need to have concerned official documents of the university. Citizens going abroad for work must have an offer letter from the organization as well as an interview letter. Athletes or officials participating in the Tokyo Olympics must produce an official letter from the Ministry of Sports.

Passport numbers must be included in the vaccine certificate after vaccinating the above-mentioned categories of citizens. If the first dose is not taken as passport proof, a separate vaccination certificate should be issued without the request of the concerned vaccination officer.