India’s Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes to get second dose of vaccine after four weeks confirms Narinder Batra

India’s Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes to get second dose of vaccine after four weeks confirms Narinder Batra

Narinder Batra FIH

The much awaited Tokyo Olympics is just 40 days away. As the pandemic looms large, vaccination of the Olympic bound has been talk of the town for some time now. As we approach the main event, which is scheduled to kick off from July 23, the government of India has decided to give the second does early to the Tokyo Olympics bound athletes.

A government panel had earlier recommended that the dosage interval of Serum Insititute of India’s Covishield vaccine be increased to 12-16 weeks. But has now decided to decrease the interval for individuals looking to travel abroad for various purposes including the summer Olympics contingent.

The GoI said in statement, “administration of second dose of Covishield for such persons who have only taken first dose of Covishield and are seeking to undertake international travel for educational purposes or employment opportunities or as part of India’s contingent for Tokyo Olympic games, but whose planned travel dates fall prior to completion of the currently mandated minimum interval of 84 days from the date of first dose.“

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“The 2nd dose of vaccination will be done after 4 weeks of 1st dose of Vaccination,” confirms Narinder Batra ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Narindra Batra
Narindra Batra

IOA chief Narinder Batra confirmed the government’s move as he informed of the reduced interval between doses. IOA had also urged five Olympic-bound sportspersons, who have recovered from COVID-19 in the recent past, to take their first dose of the vaccine as soon as possible.

“All NSFs whose Athletes have Qualified for Tokyo Olympics. Letter has been issued by Ministry of Health Government of India, that in the case of Tokyo Bound Athletes and officals, the 2nd dose of vaccination will be done after 4 weeks of 1st dose of Vaccination,” Batra said in a statement.

The IOA on Sunday had said 120 athletes and 27 para-athletes have so far received at least one dose of the vaccine. The body said that there are 62 fully-vaccinated athletes, including four para athletes. From among coaches and support staff members, 114 have received their first shots while 37 are fully vaccinated.

Also Read: Countdown to Tokyo Olympics: Know your Olympian – Bajrang Punia