'Extended gap between 2 doses of Covishield reasonable approach': Dr Fauci

White House Chief medical adviser, Dr Anthony Fauci said that extending the gap between the two doses of Covishield vaccine is a 'reasonable approach’. The US expert added that ramping up the Covid-19 vaccination drive is key to ending the crisis in India. On Thursday, India said the gap between Covishield's first & second doses has been increased. The gap between two doses has been extended to 12-16 weeks from the existing 6-8 weeks. This is the second time in three months that Covishield dosage intervals have been widened. The move has once again garnered criticism as a cover-up for not having enough vaccines. However, Dr Fauci said the 'extended interval' is beneficial even from an efficacy standpoint. He further said that India needs to collaborate with other nations to speed up vaccine production. India is currently seeing a devastating surge of Covid with record-breaking cases and deaths. The healthcare system is trying to cope up with the high demand of medical oxygen and hospital beds.