In its permission to the Serum Institute of India for manufacture for sale or distribution of Covishield, the DGCI stated that the second dose has to be administered between four and six weeks of the first dose. The regulator further stated that data is available for administration of the second dose up to 12 weeks following the first dose from the overseas studies.

According to the permission document, the firm must ensure that the factsheet for the vaccine recipient or attendant is provided before vaccine administration. It further stated that the vaccine is meant for the active immunization of the individuals above 18 years of age for the prevention of COVID-19 when administered in two doses. The order specified that the shelf life is 6 months when stored at 2 to 8 degrees Celsius… (HT – ANI, January 4, 2021)