Booster needed to shield against severe disease

ICMR’s National Institute of Virology (NIV) director Priya Abraham has made the case for boosters for all, saying, “Eventually all adults in India may get it (booster dose) but a decision may be taken after evaluation of relevant data by the expert groups and factoring in issues like availability of vaccines”.

- Sushmi.Dey

Pune: While immune response of existing Covid vaccines is low against Omicron, Abraham maintains it is so worldwide. However, boosters (third dose) are required to protect against severe disease and mortality.

“Vaccine booster does boost antibodies. Our study shows a booster dose significantly enhances immunity response against all variants of concern so far, even against Omicron,” Abraham added.