The SARS-CoV-2 Genetics Consortium of India or INSACOG stated in its latest weekly announcement that in the ongoing discussion on whether a booster vaccination is necessary for Covid-19 in the country, people over 40 years old need to get booster vaccination” Can be considered” in its first such proposal.

The agency made recommendations on the risks posed to the country based on the new B.1.1.529 or the Omicron variant of Covid-19. It also emphasizes the vaccination of all people who have not been vaccinated and are “at risk”.

It said that although the current vaccine’s antibodies are unlikely to be sufficient to neutralize the Omicron variant, the risk of serious disease caused by the variant may be reduced.

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“Vaccinate all high-risk groups that have not been vaccinated, and consider booster vaccination for people 40 years and older. You can consider targeting the highest-risk/high-exposure groups first, because the current vaccines have low levels of neutralizing antibodies. INSACOG The announcement said that it is unlikely to be sufficient to neutralize Omicron, although the risk of serious diseases may still be reduced. Necessary public health measures.

“Genome monitoring is essential for the early detection of the presence of this variant so that necessary public health measures can be taken. INSACOG said: “Monitoring travel to and from known affected areas, as well as for COVID-19 that has epidemiological links with the affected areas. Contact tracing of -19 cases and additional testing. “

The Governmental Vaccine Advisory Group, the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), stated at the end of November that it is expected that policies regarding booster vaccines and additional doses of vaccines may be introduced within two weeks.

Earlier Thursday, two confirmed cases of Omicron variants were detected in Karnataka. Raf Agarwal, joint secretary of the Federal Ministry of Health, said that although the patient did not show any serious symptoms of illness, all primary and secondary contacts have been identified and tested for the disease.

News Source : Hindustan Times