Vaccine mix-up not an issue as 20 in UP jabbed with different doses: Centre

Photo Credits: REUTERS file photo

The Centre clarified that vaccination with doses of two distinct vaccines is not an issue as 20 people in the Siddharthnagar district of Uttar Pradesh bordering Nepal were given doses of two different vaccines, which was a case of negligence.

The vaccination centres should continue with the same vaccine for both doses as per the protocol, however, when a mix-up occurs, there may not be any incidence of side effects, according to VK Paul, NITI Aayog member (Health).

The 20 people are above 45 years category and belong to Audahi Kalan village. The preliminary dose administered on April 1 was Covishield. On May 14, the second dose of Covaxin was given as the healthcare workers neglected the card, thereby making a mistake.

Ram Surat, a villager pointed out the mix-up as he observed two different vaccine doses administered. The reports revealed that none of them had any side effects.

Some countries have acknowledged the mixing with the first dose of Covishield and the second dose to be of Pfizer or Moderna or vice-versa, according to studies.

When the vaccination drive commenced on January 16, the Centre had given clear instructions to the states and UTs to not mix up the vaccines, however, very recently, VK Paul revealed that scientifically and theoretically mixing of two vaccines is possible, however, more studies need to be done.

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