Data suggests that significant amounts of the population are protected against severe disease and death, with 58% of eligible adults in the country having had the first dose.
The four-month data of the national vaccination drive, released by the health ministry on Thursday, showed that Covid-19 vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing mortality after the first dose stood at 96.6 per cent – reaffirming that vaccines offer near-total protection against serious disease and death.
The Covid-19 vaccine was effective in preventing the deaths of people between April 18th, and August 15th. The data were real-time and reached an astounding 97.5 percent.
DG released preliminary data on vaccines’ effectiveness in preventing death.ICMRThursday’s statement by Dr. Balram Shahava stated that the health minister will soon be able to provide real-time information on vaccine tracker data. This has been achieved through the use of the CoWIN platform in conjunction with the national Covid-19 database of the ICMR.
The important data that was released on Thursday is noteworthy. The data show that the protection against severe illness and death is available to a significant portion of the population, with 58 percent of eligible adults having had their first dose and 18% fully vaccinated.
“This dynamic data reveals that the vaccines being used as part of the national vaccination drive even after the first dose offer protection against serious illness and death up to 95 percent. The most significant tool we use in fighting the pandemic is the vaccine tool. This is because it protects us from all forms of death. It is also evident that two doses provide near complete protection from death and serious illness. This will make a huge difference,” Dr. V K Paul (Head of India’s Covid-19 taskforce) said.
“We have plenty of vaccines. Those who remain unvaccinated should get their first vaccine. Paul said, “We must reach 100 percent first dose coverage faster to ensure that there is protection against deaths.”
Bhargava shared his preliminary findings. She also stated that the vaccine tracker has shown that Covid-19 is effective against death in all ages. Bhargava added that the ICMR was currently compiling data to determine the percentage of infected individuals after vaccination.
“These vaccines are intended to alter the course of disease and prevent future outbreaks. Breakthrough infections can occur even after vaccination. We continue to recommend that people use Covid-19 and masks. Bhargava said that we are currently looking into the data on breakthrough infection.
Paul declared Thursday that theNational Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI is currently discussing the possible rolloutvaccination for children. There is a growing scientific and public-health debate on when vaccination should be given to children. Only a few countries have implemented vaccination for children. WHO has no recommendations that we should take this step. Paul noted that the government is actively involved in the scientific validation and potential use of vaccines in children’s health.
“The Zydus vaccination has been approved for adolescents. However, we do not know the stockpile. Our scientific bodies are still discussing the timing and method of giving it to these adolescents. The trials of Covaxin has also reached the final stages. We will have potential access to the vaccine once we have all the results. Paul added that the Biological E vaccine also has received approval for phase 2, trials.”
Paul, however pointed out that vaccination of children based upon scientific evidence is not required for the re-opening schools.
“Nowhere is there any requirement that in order to reopen schools, children have to be vaccinated. That is not a standard. It is best to vaccinate teachers and staff. Paul stressed that parents also need to be vaccinated to protect against the possibility of the child bringing the virus home.
