India to give COVID-19 booster shots to healthcare workers from Jan 10
Posted 27 Dec 2021 | Source: Express Healthcare
In a national address, PM Modi said those aged 15-18 would start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations from Jan 3 and those above 60 with comorbidities would be offered booster shots after recommendation from doctors
India will start administering COVID-19 booster shots as a precautionary measure to healthcare and frontline workers from Jan. 10, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced recently, as cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant rose across the country. He called it “precaution dose”
In a national address, he also said those aged 15-18 would start receiving COVID-19 vaccinations from Jan 3 and those above 60 with comorbidities would be offered booster shots after recommendation from doctors.
Commenting on the announcements, Dr Anup R Warrier, Head – Infectious Diseases and Infection Control, Aster DM Healthcare – India Units, said ”We welcome the move in opening up vaccine for kids in the 15-18 yrs age group. With global evidence and support for booster doses to combat the new variant – omicron- we hope that this initiative will prevent infections among the most exposed (healthcare workers). Omicron could possess a potential risk in some elderly with long diabetes, heart and lung diseases and those who are immunosuppressed, as witnessed with previous variants causing hospitalization and fatality. Our best shield against the variant is to practice precaution and safety and thus prevent the surge pressure on healthcare systems.”
Dr Rahul Pandit Director-Critical Care, Fortis Hospitals Mumbai, Member of National COVID19 Taskforce & Maharashtra’s COVID19 Taskforce said, “Vaccination is an important defense strategy to fight the mutating COVID-19 virus. In regard to honorable PM’s announcement last night about vaccination for children between 15-18 years and booster for healthcare workers, frontline workers & co-morbid citizens over 60yrs, this is an excellent strategic move to build our defence before a potential third wave caused by the growing cases of Omicron COVID-19 variant cases. People must understand that the authorities are doing their best to curtail the spread, reduce the impact & safeguard the citizens. To stay safe get yourself vaccinated with both the doses, if you haven’t done so yet. Moreover, it is critical to maintain caution and follow all COVID19 appropriate behaviour especially during festivities; double-masking and good air ventilation in indoor spaces remains the key until we win over COVID-19”
On the announcement of Vaccination for kids between 15-18 years from January 3, 2022.Dr Srikanta J T, Consultant – Paediatric Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru was found saying, “Finally the day of reckoning for our children. The vaccination for adolescents will be rolled out from January 3rd 2022 when the whole world is glaring at Omicron variant. 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.”
Dr Swati Rajagopal, Consultant – Infectious Disease & Travel Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, shared her opinion on booster dose for health workers, senior citizens from January 10, 2022 saying, “I think this is the much awaited and welcome news! Medical professionals all across India have been awaiting this guideline. 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.”
