New Delhi, April 9 (). Declining immunity levels in our population could lead to new waves of Covid and to combat this, India needs a robust disease surveillance along with high vaccine coverage. This was stated by WHO Regional Director, South-East Asia, Dr. Poonam Khetrapal Singh.
It is worth noting that at present there is an increase in Kovid cases in the country.
India recorded 6,155 new COVID-19 infections on Saturday and the number of active cases rose to 31,194, according to Health Ministry data.
For the first time since September 16 last year, the daily cases have crossed the 6 thousand mark.
A total of 14 deaths occurred in the country. Maharashtra reported three deaths, Karnataka and Rajasthan two each and Delhi, Haryana, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab one each.
Speaking to , Dr Singh stressed the need for people to take booster doses and follow Covid-appropriate behavior to combat the surge in infections.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
: With the spike in infections in India, are we about to see a new Covid wave?
Singh: In the last six months, we are seeing an increase in infections in some countries. Although there is no increase in hospitalization, intensive care, or mortality.
As the virus continues to spread and evolve, we will continue to see waves of infection. However, these waves are not likely to be as large as before, as vaccination has increased the immunity of our people. However, we should not underestimate the threat of COVID-19 in any way.
As our immunity goes down, we can also expect new waves of infection. We can contain its impact through stronger disease surveillance, higher vaccine coverage, and by making our health systems more resilient.
We also need to strengthen our ability to track the virus and urgently address any gaps in health systems.
: Compared to the first dose, the second and third doses of Covid vaccines were taken less in India. How do you take it?
Singh: Immunization is an important tool in our fight against COVID to prevent serious illness and death. Even in communities that have experienced high rates of COVID-19 infection, vaccinations and boosters provide an additional layer of protection against the disease.
India has so far administered over 2.2 billion doses, an impressive feat considering the country’s size. While the vaccine rollout started slow, it picked up pace with the country crossing one billion doses in October 2021 and two billion in a record 18 months in July 2022.
In April 2022, India also launched booster doses in a phased manner for those who had completed its primary series, with a focus on the elderly, people with co-morbidities and front-line workers.
While vaccine coverage and prior infections have provided population-level immunity globally, the effectiveness of vaccines tends to decline over time and it is important that additional booster doses be given after the primary series, particularly in severe disease and For those at highest risk from death.
: How can we deal with the rising infection?
Leo: In case of fever or symptoms, we should stay isolated and follow medical advice. People without infection should also follow preventive measures i.e. COVID appropriate behaviour. This includes maintaining safe distance, taking care of hygiene, wearing a mask and avoiding crowded places.
Booster doses provide additional protection against infection and severe disease beyond the primary series. Individuals at high risk of developing severe COVID-19 disease should be given priority for booster doses.
: Should children below the age of 11 get vaccinated?
Singh: Children and adolescents are generally at low risk of infection and if they do become infected, it is likely to be a mild illness in most cases. However, children and adolescents with co-morbidities or obesity are at higher risk and should be vaccinated and receive the primary series vaccination and a booster dose.
Vaccination of healthy children and adolescents may be considered by individual countries based on disease burden, and other health or programmatic priorities and opportunity costs. Achieving high immunization coverage with primary series and
: Till when can we see Covid turning into an endemic?
Singh: We are at a crucial stage in the fight against COVID-19 and now more than ever we need to work together to end the pandemic and be able to beat the virus.
Next month, the IHR Emergency Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic will meet and assess the situation and risk and make recommendations and advise the WHO Director-General.
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