Mixing of 2 COVID-19 vaccines not permissible for first and second dose: Centre tells Delhi HC

New Delhi: In response to the petitioner's request for permission to receive Covaxin as the second dose of COVID-19 vaccination instead of Covishield, which was administered as the first dose, the Delhi High Court has been informed by the Centre that those who have received a first dose of Covishield cannot receive the second dose of Covaxin. 

Hearing into the petition was conducted through hybrid mode on January 17, 2023, where the standing counsel of the Union government Anurag Ahluwalia informed the court that the mixing of two different vaccines is not permitted presently due to the absence of study. However, it is allowed for the booster dose.

The petition filed by Madhur Mittal on 27th September 2021 mentioned that he is suffering from cancer. He was administered the first dose of the Covishield vaccine in March 2021.

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According to the Petitioner, after the first dose of the Covishield vaccine was administered, he suffered from various adverse reactions which required further specialized treatment. Accordingly, he prays that instead of Covishield, he should be administered the Covaxin vaccine as the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

Thereafter, an affidavit was filed by the central government on November 17, 2021, which stated that the mixing of the first two doses has not been permitted by the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) or National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-l9 (NEGVAC) as the safety or efficacy of such mixed dose has not been determined.

“It is further humbly submitted that currently there is no recommendation from NTAGI or NEGVAC regarding the safety and efficacy of mixed dose of 2 or more Covid-l9 vaccines. Therefore, mixing the doses of 2 or more Covid-19 vaccines is presently not permitted in the National Covid-19 Vaccination Program,” reads the affidavit.

In support of the statement, the government said that till now no evidence has been submitted to Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on safety and efficacy for the mixing of 2 doses of Covid- 19 vaccines manufactured by different manufacturers and technology platforms in the Indian population.

Since the union government has made it clear that an individual cannot take two different doses of vaccine, a final vaccination certificate cannot be issued by Co-WIN in this regard.

It was also stated that CDSCO had granted permission to conduct Phase-IV clinical trial to M/s Christian Medical College, Vellore for mixing two doses, on August 07, 2021 and that the study was ongoing.

Single Bench Justice Prathiba M Singh dismissed the plea as there was no appearance on behalf of the petitioner. It has been observed that none had appeared on 17th December 2021 and 12th May 2022 as well, reports live law.

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