Ernakulam (Kerala): The Kerala High Court has directed the centre to reduce the interval between Covishield doses here on Monday. The court, however, made it clear such reduction in the interval is applicable to the paid jabs.
The order was issued on a petition filed by Kitex Group seeking reduction of the time gap from the first dose to the second. In its petition, the company contended that Government has changed its policy on intervals earlier and it had also relaxed for certain persons. The company has purchased enough stock of the vaccine for their employees and it sought court's intervention to direct the centre to reduce vaccine interval.
The court observed that vaccination is voluntary and the interval mandated by the government can only be considered as advisory. It also observed that there is no reason for the state to stop people preferring to have early vaccination by paying at the private hospitals. So, the court ruled to provide vaccines to those who want to take them earlier at four-week intervals.
Kerala HC also asked to make the necessary changes to the COWIN portal to enable a relieved dose gap for people who need it earlier. The court explained that the exemptions will not apply to free vaccines provided by the government.
Kerala High Court rejected the Central Government's objection and bring out the order in accordance with Kitex's plea. The petitioners requested to grant relief of interval in giving second dose vaccines to their employees.
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