According to AIIMS Director Dr Randeep Guleria, India does not have adequate data on the necessity for a third COVID-19 vaccination shot, often known as a booster dose, to strengthen protection against the coronavirus.
He expects further details to be accessible by early next year.
Many countries, notably the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel, are giving patients a third ‘booster’ dosage of immunizations in order to raise their protective antibody levels. After the second dosage of the vaccination, the shots are given roughly 6 months later. Global authorities such as the WHO, on the other hand, have blasted the plan, citing vaccine inequities in many underdeveloped countries, who are still dependant on other countries for the protective vaccine.
“At this time, I don’t believe we have enough evidence to recommend a booster shot. We don’t have enough data even for the elderly and high-risk categories. According to NDTV, he stated, “We really need data that provides us an understanding of the protection levels the immunizations provide.”
More research, he says, is required, and it will take a few months for that to be completed. As a result, India will only be able to determine whether or not to administer a booster dose after evidence suggests that the vaccine is nearing the end of its useful life “Added he.
“Around the world, we’re seeing that people who have been vaccinated continue to be protected from serious disease, and there hasn’t been a significant increase in the number of patients admitted to hospitals. India is no exception “he stated.
According to data that shows vaccine protection reduces over time, all adults in the United States will be able to get a booster dose eight months after their last vaccination, as stated this week. The third injection will be accessible in the United States starting September 20th, as infections caused by the coronavirus Delta strain are on the rise in the US and Canada.
The UK government is also preparing a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccination for millions of susceptible Britons who have previously received two doses of the vaccine.
Despite the lack of booster doses, the UK did not witness a spike in hospitalizations, according to AIIMS director.
