For the last 10 days, a rapid jump in the cases of corona infection is being seen in the country. After about five months, once again an increase in daily cases is being recorded. In the last 24 hours, the infection has been confirmed in more than 1800 people in the country. The Omicron XBB.1.16 sub-variant is believed to be the reason for the increasing cases of corona infection. Studies have found that this sub-variant is highly infectious and its immune escape ability can easily infect people who have been vaccinated.
The fourth dose has been approved in many countries
Earlier this month, the US Food and Drug Administration approved Pfizer's Omicron booster shot for children under the age of five. Children who have already received three doses of the company's vaccine can now take the fourth dose as well. Children age six months to four years who completed their three-dose series with the original monovalent shots from Pfizer and BioNTech more than two months ago are now eligible for a fourth shot.
The company claims that this fourth dose targets Omicron BA.4 and BA.5. Earlier in December, the fourth dose of vaccine was given to people over 60 years of age in Bangladesh.
No need for a fourth dose
A study was conducted by the Sri Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, run by the state of Karnataka, to know the effectiveness of the fourth dose of the Covid vaccine. In this, a study conducted to assess the immune status of 350 participants who received a booster dose of the Covishield vaccine showed that all of them showed protection. a
The study also concluded that at present there is no need for a fourth dose of the vaccine. Booster shot alone is sufficient to reduce the severe disease of the corona.
What do experts say?
Dr. Raman Gangakhedkar, former head of epidemiology and communicable diseases in the Indian Council of Medical Research, has also said in a report that at present there is no need for the fourth dose of Kovid-19 in the country. He says that if a person has taken the third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, it means that he has a high T-cell immune response which is sufficient to give protection against the corona. There have been changes in the new variant, but it is not so different or dangerous from the original virus that we need a special vaccine. At present only three vaccines are sufficient.
Must get vaccinated
Health experts have once again appealed to all those who have not been vaccinated. Health experts say that the risk of infection with Omicron and its sub-variants appears to be low in those vaccinated, especially those who have received a booster dose. On the other hand, people who have not been vaccinated are not only at high risk of serious infection, but also such people can cause infection to others. To reduce this risk, all people must get vaccinated as soon as possible.
