No early second dose for people going abroad for marriages

Tribune News Service

Mohali, June 18

Mohali Civil Surgeon Dr Adarshpal Kaur today clarified that the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine would not be administered before 84 days to international travelers who want to go abroad for a wedding or a private event.

What Mohali Civil Surgeon says

Mohali Civil Surgeon Adarshpal Kaur said people who intend to visit abroad for attending marriages and other private functions, and who had permanent residency there and want to return, were visiting her office for getting the second dose but this facility was not meant for such persons.

Dr Kaur said the vaccine was being administered to only three categories of international travelers – one who has to travel abroad for education, to take up jobs in foreign countries and athletes and sportspersons who have to participate in the Olympic Games to be held in Tokyo or the staff accompanying them.

“This facility has not been given to any other category except the above three categories,” said Dr Kaur.

She said the people who intend to visit abroad for attending marriages and other private functions, and who had permanent residency there and want to return, were visiting her office for getting the second dose but this facility was not meant for such persons.

The Centre had recently tweaked the interval rules between the two doses of Covishield for international travelers. Earlier, the second dose of Covishield could be administered only after 84 days, but the government had given relief to the above categories saying that the vaccine could be given after 28 days and before 84 days.

Regarding documents to be submitted for getting permission for the second dose, the Civil Surgeon said these included a copy of the first dose certificate, passport and visa. Aspirants can get attested these documents from the SDM, Circle Revenue Officer, BDPO, MC EO, Labour Inspector, AETC/ETO/Excise Inspector, SHO, RMO and elected representatives of the local and urban bodies, she said.