Bengaluru: The antibodies which are put in the bodies through vaccination may last up to eight months or so. This was revealed by All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Randeep Guleria. He also added that scientists are studying the long-term prospects of these antibodies. 

"Antibodies will develop about 14 days after the second shot. It is not clear how long protection will last but it is believed that it will last for at least 8 months, or may be longer.

"Currently, scientists are aggressively studying long-term protection provided by vaccines," he said. 

About 75,05,010 doses of 'Covishield' and 'Covaxin' have been administered in India since the drive began on January 16.

"Depending on age and presence of comorbidities, linked to more severe diseases, one will get the vaccine," he added.

On a question as to why India is providing vaccine while its own people need it the most, he said that people travel and therefore, they need it.  

"Therefore, all countries need to get their share of vaccines," he added.

While the concerns remain, India became the first country to administer vaccines to 7 million in the shortest period of time. 

At the same time, it has exported lakhs and lakhs of doses of vaccine to more than 15 countries, including Pakistan, till date. 

While India plans to administer more doses in the coming days, it might also launch the third vaccine in the month of June. 

Atmanirbhar Bharat: 

The scheme, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year, aims at making India a self-reliant India, giving local talent a fillip. 

He also envisioned an India that would be the manufacturing hub of the world. It was on this note that that the vaccines, exported to myriad countries, are a matter of pride for any Indian.