News18.com has learned that the Narendra Modi government has launched a study to assess the need for booster doses against Covid-19 in India.
The multi-centre study, headed by the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), a premier institute of the Department of Biotechnology, aims to include over 3,000 participants who received their second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine six months ago. The study, sponsored by DBT, included three vaccines used in India – Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V.
The arrival of Omicron, a new mutation of the coronavirus, has sparked calls for a booster dose in the country. The purpose of a booster dose is to restore the effectiveness of the vaccine. However, it is not yet clear whether immunity from vaccines is declining in India or whether a booster dose is urgently needed.
“This is an academic study where the idea is to understand the duration of immunity in a real-world scenario. Blood samples have been taken to assess cell-mediated immunity,” said a senior official, who is one of the sites enrolled under the study. Head of one, told News18.com.
“We will analyze T and B cell response and antibodies, and what is the protection level six months after receiving the second dose. This will enhance our understanding of the need for booster doses in India.
The central government has not yet taken any decision on the booster dose. The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) appointed by the Modi government will meet soon and take a decision on it.
How is the study being done?
The study is designed to include four people – people above 40 years of age, people under 40, people infected with COVID-19 prior to vaccination, and people with comorbid conditions.
The hospital sites involved in the study are collecting blood samples from Delhi-NCR, Gurugram and Faridabad. “A simple questionnaire has been created to collect information about their medical history, vaccination status and other clinical information,” the source said.
The sites will submit reports on blood samples along with analysis on the need for booster doses in India.
“We will submit a report on the need for boosters in India. In the meantime, we are having weekly discussions with THSTI of DBT and sending blood samples.
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