The increase in the interval between two doses of the Covishield vaccine has boomeranged as over 13 lakh people are in line for their second dose. The interval had been increased from six to eight weeks to 12 to 16 weeks in May. At least five lakh of these people will complete 16 weeks, the maximum period between doses.

The vaccination drive for those above 18 years has had hiccups ever since it was launched by the central government on May 1. While lakhs of people were in line, doses were limited and then an increase in the gap of two doses was announced.