No scientific evidence to support the need for a booster vaccine dose against Kovid: ICMR chief

According to sources, the issue of booster doses is likely to be discussed in the next meeting of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization in India (NTAGI).

“Administering the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine to all the adult population and ensuring that not only India but the entire world is vaccinated is a priority for the government for now.

“Furthermore, there is no scientific evidence so far that supports the need for a dose of booster vaccine against COVID-19,” Bhargava told PTI. On the possibility of giving a booster dose, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya had recently said that sufficient stock is available and the target is to complete the vaccination of the target population with two doses. After that, a decision on the booster dose will be taken based on the expert’s recommendation, he had said.

“The government cannot take a direct decision in such a matter. When the Indian Council of Medical Research and the expert team say that a booster dose should be given, then we will consider it. Narendra Modi There has always been a reliance on expert opinion, whether it is vaccine research, manufacture or approval.

According to officials, about 82 per cent of the eligible population in India has received the first dose of the vaccine, while about 43 per cent have been fully vaccinated.

As per provisional reports till 7 am, the total number of COVID-19 vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 116.87 crore.

The government has launched a month-long ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign for door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination for those who are yet to take a dose and whose second dose is overdue.

According to officials, over 12 crore beneficiaries are overdue for the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine after the expiry of the stipulated interval between two doses.