Expert view on the new variant of Corona: Elderly and people suffering from serious diseases are at high risk even after vaccination, they get booster dose immediately

There has been a stir around the world regarding the Omicron variant of the corona virus. It is also likely to reach India. Top virologists and public health experts of the country say that in such a situation, giving a booster dose of Covid vaccine to people should be considered immediately. In countries like the US, UK and Israel, booster doses are already being given to people in the high risk category.

Former Dean of AIIMS and Scientist of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Dr. NK Mehra told Times of India, 'Study has shown that the effect of vaccine on critical patients has decreased. Vaccination of elderly and people with weak immunity is very important. Cancer patients and people who have had organ transplants need to be given a booster dose despite both doses of the vaccine.

Mehra said that the Covid vaccine cannot give 100% protection from infection, but we have data that the vaccine can protect us from severe symptoms of infection. Especially the third dose is very effective in protecting people with weak immunity from severe symptoms.Due to prolonged infection, such people act as hosts for the virus. The virus can be prevented from mutating into the new variant only with the third dose.

According to media reports, the Omicron variant of Corona was first detected in South Africa. It was found in HIV/AIDS patients. A healthy person recovers from corona in 2-3 weeks, while people with weak immunity remain positive for 2-3 months.