Students planning to study abroad have appealed to the Maharashtra state government for a reduction in the 84 days gap between two doses of Covishield vaccine. This reduction will prevent any kind of delay for students who are expected to travel abroad by August-September for the start of their academic programmes in foreign universities.
Most students have managed to take the first dose at private hospitals. Some of them took the first dose on May 31, while, others are queuing up for the free walk-in vaccination drive on June 1 and June 2 at Kasturba Hospital, Chinchpokhli, Cooper Hospital, Juhu and Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkopar organised by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) under the initiative of Maharashtra state cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray.
Students are worried as they need to take the second vaccine dose after 84 days which might delay their plans to study abroad, affect their course start and lead to loss of payments already done to universities abroad. Krushi Nair, a student who has secured admission for a master programme in a London University said, "I need to go to UK by August 15, at least so that I get sufficient time to quarantine as my course begins on September 1. But my second Covishield dose is scheduled for August 19. I hope the state government reduces the 84 days gap between two doses so that I do not miss the start of my course."
Jishan Lalwani, a student who is planning to study in Germany said, "I had to book my accommodation starting from August 1, at the university campus in Germany in advance. But my second vaccine dose is scheduled for August 10. In addition, I cannot travel immediately after taking the second shot as I need to wait for 10 to 14 days. I have paid a huge amount as rent and deposit for accommodation. My funds will go wasted if the gap between two doses is not reduced."
Recently, the state cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray, said, "We have received multiple queries with regard to the gap between the two doses and the scheduled possible departure of students for overseas universities. Since it is a medical advice, BMC will discuss with the concerned authorities for the same to assist the students." The BMC has urged the Central Government to reduce the 84 days gap between two doses. As per BMC authorities, a decision is expected in this week.
