An Indian court has ordered the government to offer a choice of a shorter four-week gap between doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to those paying for the shots, down from 12 to 16 weeks now.

In an order posted on its website, the high court in the southern state of Kerala ordered changes in the health ministry's vaccine-booking platform to permit the choice, in line with that offered to those flying abroad.

"There is absolutely no reason why the same privilege shall not be extended to others who want early protection in connection with their employment, education, etc." the court said.

In its remarks, the court drew a parallel with the government's permission for those planning overseas travel to choose between early and better protection from Covid-19 infections.

Read more from Reuters here.