People travelling abroad can take second dose of Covishield after 28 days

The central government has issued new guidelines for overseas travelers. Accordingly, anyone who wants to go abroad can take second dose of Covishield anytime after 28 days of the first dose. However, in general, the government has kept a gap of 12 to 16 weeks between the first and second dose of Covishield vaccine. The guideline states that vaccination certificates will be issued only to those who have been vaccinated against covishield to go abroad. The passport number will also be mentioned on this certificate. India's second vaccine, Covaxin, does not qualify for this.

a. This special dispensation will be available to –
(i) Students who have to undertake foreign travel for the purposes of education.
(ii) Persons who have to take up jobs in foreign countries.
(iii) Athletes, Sportspersons and accompanying staff of Indian contingent attending International Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo.

b. States/UT governments shall designate a competent authority in each District for according permission for such administration of second dose of Covishield.

c. The competent authority shall check the following before according a permission for administration of second dose before the period of 84 days after the date of first dose –
(i) Whether a period of 28 days has elapsed after the date of first dose.
(ii) Genuineness of the purpose of travel based on documents related to –
1. Admission offers or associated formal communications for the purpose of education. 
2. Whether a person is already studying in a foreign educational institution and has to return to that institution for continuing his/her education.
3. Interview calls for a job or offer letters for taking up employment
4. Nomination to participate in the Tokyo Olympic games.

d. It is advised that vaccination may be availed in such cases through Passport which is one of the permissible ID documents as per the current guidelines, so that the passport number is printed in the vaccination certificate. However, if Passport was not used at the time of administration of first dose, the details of the photo ID Card used for vaccination will be printed in the vaccination certificate and mention of the Passport in the vaccination certificate is not to be insisted upon. Wherever necessary, the competent authority may issue another certificate linking the vaccination certificate with the passport number of the beneficiary.

e. This facility shall be available to those who need to undertake international travel for these specified purposes in the period up to 31st August, 2021.

f. All technical protocols as prescribed in the Guidelines of the Ministry regarding COVID Vaccination Centres and AEFI management etc. shall have to be followed.