Amid Omicron Surge, experts say Govt's decision on Booster doses, Vax for Children timely
Posted 27 Dec 2021 | Source: ETHealthWorld
The decision for the administration of precautionary doses and vaccination for children was taken as states across the country witness a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases. The new variant Omicron has found its way to 17 states with over 400 cases in the country.
In view of the rising COVID-19 cases and detection of the highly transmissible variant Omicron, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday announced the initiation of precautionary dose administration in health workers and those over 60 with comorbidities from January 10. The plan for the administration is likely to be announced soon by the Health Ministry, who are currently in deliberation with advisory groups to devise the same.
The decision for the administration of precautionary doses and vaccination for children was taken as states across the country witness a rapid surge in COVID-19 cases. The new variant Omicron has found its way to 17 states with over 400 cases in the country.
The Prime Minister also announced that the government will begin the vaccination programme to inoculate children in the age group of 15-18 years. This will offer protection against the disease in addition to paving a safe path for them to return to school and learning.
Two vaccines till now have been approved for administration in children; Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin was granted Emergency Use Approval on Saturday by DCGI after it had submitted data from clinical trials. The other vaccine approved for children is Zydus Cadila’s DNA vaccine ZyCoV-D. The two given vaccines are likely to be deployed in the vaccination drive for older children.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA) hailed the announcement of the Prime Minister, Narendrs Modi, stated that the precautionary booster dose of vaccination for healthcare front line workers is the right step as the imminent third wave by the new variant of concern omicron is at our doorsteps. Need to protect our health care front line workers in all possible ways.
"The vaccination process for children must be handled with much more care and constant monitoring and surveillance must be ensured " the statement from IMA added.
Terming that Centre's decision timely and proactive, Dr Prathap C Reddy, Chairman and Founder, Apollo Hospitals Group said, "We welcome the decision of the Hon'ble PM to begin vaccination of children between 15-18 yrs and booster doses for those on the frontline as well as those above 60 years with co-morbidities. This timely, proactive decision will prove a game-changer against the COVID variants and support a continuation of the country's return to normalcy."
Informing that the outbreak of the new variant Omicron has led to an increase in the demand for booster shots and vaccination for children, Dr Vivek Nangia- Principle Director and Head of Pulmonology in Max Hospital, Saket said: "The entire medical fraternity was looking forward to this news for some time now. Vaccinating the children now is also relevant at this point when we are seeing the rising number of cases in the youngsters as well, although it’s considered to be a mild illness in the children let’s not forget there is a small percentage who do develop neurological complications and also develop the multi-organ inflammatory syndrome which can sometimes lead to devastating complications among children. So all in all, it’s a very good move.
Elucidating that the PM announcement will help put to effective use, the vaccine stocks that are due to expire shortly, Gautam Khanna, CEO P.D. Hinduja Hospital, President Association of Hospitals,Co-chair FICCI Health Services Committee said," With COVID cases on the rise, precaution doses for healthcare & frontline workers, senior citizens and comorbid patients are much required. With schools and colleges now opening up, vaccination of 15-18 year children will help to provide them with the required safety. These announcements will help mitigate the impact of a probable third wave."
Dr Ravi Gaur, Founder DRG Lab & Co Chair Health wellness committee, said,"Much awaited announcement of the Prime Minister, for starting COVID vaccination for Children between 15-18 years, will not only help in protecting young school going children from COVID, but also allay apprehension and stress of all parents. The decision to allow booster vaccine for millions of healthcare workers and frontline COVID warriors is very reassuring. With the possibility of a third wave, Omicron threat and fast increasing numbers of positive cases, country needs to get it's health infrastructure in state of readiness. Keeping healthcare workers and warriors safe will definitely help in augmenting much needed infrastructure.
"Old age people with co-morbid conditions are most vulnerable and likely to get affected by the looming threat of Omicron, the variant of concern. It's imperative on our part to keep them safe and boost their immunity," Dr Gaur added.
India Omicron cases increasing steeply the rolls out of vaccination programme for teenagers between 15-18 years from 3rd January, 2022. Allowing booster doses for frontline workers and comorbid people above 60 years of age from 10th January, 2022 onwards is a step in right direction, informed Dr. Biren Chauhan, Group COO, Sunshine Global Hospitals.
He informed another key decision includes that of sending multidisciplinary teams to 10 states who are either witnessing rapid surge in coronavirus cases including that of Omicron or slow rate of vaccination. As it emphasizes on boosting healthcare infrastructure at district and block level will be critical to fight the impending third wave of COVID-19 in India around February, 2022 as predicted by a study group of IIT Kanpur.
"More than the fact that the Omicron variant causes mild symptoms, it will be India’s preparations well ahead of time based on scientific evidence and recommendations of healthcare experts of the country that is going to be the winning cocktail for us this time," Dr Chauhan added.
As the whole world is glaring at the Omicron variant, the announcement by PM Modi is timely, said Dr Srikanta J T, Consultant, Pediatric Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital. She further added,"Even though we still do not have enough data on the efficacy of vaccines since vaccination with Covaxin started, especially kids. However, it seems to be a safe bet due to the known technology as well as predictable adverse effects. Moving forward, this should not only help mitigate the risk of infectiousness but also the severity if any in all the age groups."
Stating that medical professionals all across India have been awaiting this guideline, Dr Swati Rajagopal,Consultant-Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital said," This is an important additional step to help with the Omicron variant spread of covid 19. As always mentioned, the vaccine is indicated to reduce the severity and complications of COVID 19 infection. We need to continue to be watchful - avoid unnecessary travel, avoid crowded areas, and wear masks. We have got lax with COVID-appropriate behavior: So, this is to reinforce."
Meanwhile commenting on approval of Covaxin for 12+ is a totally political move, Malini Aisola, Co-convenor, All India Drug Action Forum, said,"It is totally a political decision to approve Covaxin for 12+. SEC had given green light by mid October for two plus based on its routine evaluations without adequate justification for the same. But the Central Government was not ready to permit vaccination for children so the approval was held back. Now one is left wondering about the basis to grant approval for 12 plus which differs from the recommendation for two years plus. In short the move is more political, with less data and zero transparency."
Talking about next steps, Dr Gayatri Kamineni, COO, Kamineni Hospitals, said, "We hope to get the vaccines approved which are presently under trial for children above the age of three. In view of the emergence and fast spread of the Omicron version of the coronavirus, this proactive move by the government will help curtail the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone eligible in the country should step forward and take these shots and protect themselves, their families and society at large from COVID-19.
