The need for a booster dose will be determined by the epidemiology of the COVID infection in the country, as well as the sustainability of the protection provided by the current dosing regime of the vaccines. (representative image)
Amid the possibility of a third wave of the viral disease hitting the country between September and October, experts say enough data has been generated locally to decide on the need for a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for those who are fully vaccinated. Has not happened.
An expert panel set up by an institute under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has predicted that the third wave of COVID-19 could hit the country sometime between September and October and plans to significantly accelerate the pace of vaccination. has been suggested.
However, the World Health Organization has called for a two-month moratorium on giving booster shots of COVID-19 vaccines, given the severely disrupted vaccine availability around the world.
Dr NK Arora, President, NTAGI’s COVID-19 Working Group said, “India will decide on a booster dose based on locally generated scientific evidence. To determine the need and timing of boosters for the vaccines currently in use in the country. Studies for this are already underway.” .
The need for a booster dose will be determined by the epidemiology of the COVID infection in the country, as well as the sustainability of the protection provided by the current dosing regime of the vaccines.
“Any booster dose regimen also has to ensure that adverse events are not associated with boosting,” Arora said.
AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria said at present there is no definitive evidence to suggest that people who have been vaccinated in the past need to be given a booster shot.
“Current data suggest that vaccines are effective in preventing severe disease and death in people who have been vaccinated, even against the delta variant.
“In addition, we should also vaccinate those who have not received a single dose and are in the high risk category first to prevent severe disease and death in the coming wave. Currently, booster shots are not required. And as more data comes out it will then clarify when and what type of booster shot is needed,” he said.
Several countries, including the US and Israel, are planning to give booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines.
NITI Aayog member (health) Dr VK Paul said earlier this month that the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) has discussed the issue of giving booster vaccine doses and will Considered very deeply.
He had said that this should be taken as a work in progress as the science in this area was still emerging.
Responding to a question on the need to deliver a booster COVID-19 vaccine dose, Paul had said, “I would say that we are looking very carefully at the science for the need for such an imperative. Along with the global work You would know that some studies are being set up in the country and we are looking into it very deeply.”
The nationwide immunization drive was launched on 16 January, with healthcare workers vaccinated and frontline workers vaccinated from 2 February.
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