Delhi HC rejects plea seeking reduction in dosage interval of Covishield

Written by Sanchari Chattopadhyay Published On 2021-07-18T10:00:15+05:30 | Updated On 18 July 2021 10:00 AM IST

Delhi HC rejects plea seeking reduction in dosage interval of Covishield

Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday dismissed a plea seeking reduction of the interval for the second dose of Covishield vaccine to eight weeks for individuals over 50 years of age and those having comorbidities. The gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine is presently 12 to 16 weeks.

The PIL was filed by Dr Siddharth De through Advocate Kuldeep Jauhari.

However, a bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh dismissed the plea noting,

"We are not inclined to issue notice. We will dismiss with costs."

The petitioner had relied on the Vaccine Surveillance Report dated May 27, 2021, issued by the Public Health Department, England. The observations of the report read;

"Several studies of vaccine effectiveness have been conducted in the UK which indicates that a single dose of either vaccine is between 55 and 70% effective against the symptomatic disease, with higher levels of protection against severe disease including hospitalization and death. Additional protection is seen after a second dose. There is now also evidence from a number of studies that the vaccines are effective at protecting against infection and transmission."

"Are you aware of any procedure? How are doses fixed? Who is fixing the doses?" the court questioned the counsel of the petitioner, adding, "We will have to alter the procedure if at all we have the power to do so".

Jauhari responded that there was a COVID working group and other expert groups which looked into the aspect. He added that based on studies conducted by scientists in the UK, there was a need to reduce the dosage interval in view of the new variants of COVID-19, reports PTI.

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However, the court opined that Jauhari was unable to convince it. It noted,

" You are unable to convince us. Just for the sake of arguing you are arguing."

Jauhari further claimed that the petition was an honest PIL, the court responded that it had no doubt regarding the honesty of the plea and dismissal was not a certificate of dishonesty. It noted,

"Let alone issuance of a notice; we are inclined to dismiss the petitions with costs."

According to LiveLaw, Jauhari subsequently withdrew the plea unconditionally.

Delhi High Courtpetitioncovishielddosage intervalsecond dosecovidcovid vaccinedoctor

Source : with inputs

Sanchari Chattopadhyay

Sanchari Chattopadhyay has pursued her M.A in English and Culture Studies from the University of Burdwan, West Bengal. She likes observing cultural specificities and exploring new places.