As re-infections rise, Centre for Kerala relook at vax-dose gap

New Delhi: In the wake of a large number of re-infections in Kerala’s Pathanamthitta, particularly among those who have received one dose of anti-Covid jabs, the Centre has asked the state to review the data and study whether the gap between the two doses needs to be reduced.

The central team that visited the state recently has made the observation after it found the district had reported a worrying 14,974 infections after the first dose and 5,042 after two doses. The district is using more Covishield injections.

“This is being further reviewed with the state. We need to know when did the person test positive after taking the second dose and if he/she had mild or severe infection and required hospitalisation. We have sought this information from other districts too,” said Sujeet Singh, director, National Centre for Disease Control.

While Kerala has been reporting a large number of cases, the government is also studying the cases through genome sequencing. The state has a higher rate of vaccination coverage with around 54% people having received the first dose of Covid-19 vaccines whereas more than 23% are fully immunised.

However, cases of re-infection are high in the state inspite of two doses of vaccines. There is also concern that a persistent high rate of infection with a large host of infected and vulnerable persons will lead to greater number of cases.