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In a letter to all States and territories of the Union, the Ministry stressed that coronavirus vaccination is only indicated for 18 years or more under the emergency use authorisation. The Covid-19 and other vaccines should be separated by an interval of at least 14 days if necessary.
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"Interchangeability of Covid-19 vaccines is not permitted. The second dose should also be of the same Covid-19 vaccine which was administered as the first d of Covid-19 vaccines is not permitted. The second dose should also be of the same Covid-19 vaccine which was administered as the first dose," said the letter written by Manohar Agnani, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Health of the Union.
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The Ministry has listed Covid-19 vaccination precautions and contraindications and a comparative fact sheet for both vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin) containing vaccine platform details, physical specifications, dosage, cold-chain storage requirements, contraindications and minor AEFIs (adverse event following immunization).
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It said that this data should be disseminated for ready reference to programme managers at all levels and through them to cold-chain handlers and vaccinators.