Rush for Omicron-specific vaccines by early 2022 as variant resistant to current vaccines
Kolkata, Dec 28 (UNI): The major problem the world faces today is the entry of the Omicron variant, which is more transmissible and able to evade the immune system, both antibodies as well as T-cells.
Omicron is resistant to the current vaccines, and thus the rush from all vaccine manufacturers to produce an Omicron specific vaccine by early 2022, informed Advisor- National Immunisation Programme, Dr Naresh Purohit here on Tuesday.
There is no data available that the current vaccines are effective against Omicron.
Visiting Professor at the Kolkata-based West Bengal University of Health Sciences, School of Public Health Dr Purohit said as new cases of Covid-19 have started to escalate in umpteen cities of India since December 20, the Centre announced the 10-point vaccination programme on Christmas day though the epidemiologic picture of Omicron in India appears different from European and North America where 70-85 per cent of new cases are Omicron.
This needs to be watched closely because the vaccine efficacies of varied vaccine platforms are different.
He added that mortality due to Covid-19 in susceptible populations is around 1.5%, which means 15,000 deaths per million population.
Through vaccination, we can prevent 80-90 per cent of these deaths, which means that 13,000 to 14,000 deaths per million (population) can be prevented.
Pandemic control expert Dr Purohit stated that there is inadequate data to prove the efficacy of existing vaccines in preventing infection caused by the Omicron variant. Scientific speculation is pushing for the booster jab in adults and primary vaccination in adolescents.
The nature and severity of disease in infected adolescents is not yet authentically established.
He emphasised that vaccine modification is necessary taking into consideration the new variant. Until then the two-dose programme is necessary.
Acclaimed epidemiologist Dr Purohit stated that the Indian government seems to have replaced the word booster dose with “precautionary dose’ and will hold it for two categories of people – for healthcare and frontline workers and those aged above 60 years who have co-morbidities — from January 10, 2022.
He said that the government is likely not calling it a booster shot due to the lack of scientific evidence that the third jab will boost essential neutralising antibodies required to block entry of coronavirus.
Principal Investigator for National Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme Dr Purohit opined that the government’s decision for approving Covaxin for emergency use in children will not yield any additional benefit.
