While data from a homologous booster clinical trial has now become available for Covaxin, there is no supporting data from India for Covishield. Yet, Covishield makes for up to 90% of vaccines administered to adults so far in India. On January 5, five days before the roll-out of the ‘protection dose’, scientifically called a third … Continue reading Are there clinical trial data to support a homologous vaccine booster?
Doctors
Can vaccination of healthcare workers be made mandatory?
On July 12, France made it mandatory for healthcare workers to get vaccinated. Likewise, Greece and Italy too have made vaccination mandatory for healthcare workers from fall this year. In the U.K., care home workers would be required by law to have the COVID-19 vaccination. But if the core argument of compulsory vaccination is to … Continue reading Can vaccination of healthcare workers be made mandatory?
IGIB: In vaccinated people, Covishield first dose is highly immunogenic if already infected
In a small study involving just 135 health-care workers who were vaccinated with Covishield, IGIB researchers found that antibody levels are significantly higher in those already infected prior to the first dose of vaccination compared with virus-naïve individuals. At day 14, antibodies were detectable in health-care workers who were not infected prior to vaccination, and … Continue reading IGIB: In vaccinated people, Covishield first dose is highly immunogenic if already infected
At last, legal protection for healthcare workers comes true
Symbolic gestures such as clapping hands and lighting candles in recognition of healthcare workers' selfless service during these trying times do not bolster their morale as much as understanding and support from the society does. Since the first case of novel coronavirus infection in the country was reported in end-January, there have been many instances … Continue reading At last, legal protection for healthcare workers comes true
Why hospitals are hotbeds for coronavirus transmission
At 31.9%, the intensive care unit specialised for taking care of COVID-19 patients was the most contaminated in the hospital. And nearly 14% of all commonly used hospital objects and medical equipment had the virus on them. Across the world, hospitals have become the hotspot for novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. And hundreds of healthcare workers … Continue reading Why hospitals are hotbeds for coronavirus transmission
Fake news alert: A newspaper article claims astrology can ‘combat’ coronavirus
An article published today in The New Indian Express on "How to survive coronavirus" is not just rubbish but a public health hazard. I have come across a few fake claims about cures for novel coronavirus infection (SARS-CoV-2) and disease (COVID-19) on WhatsApp. Even the AYUSH Ministry’s press release claiming that certain Unani medicines can … Continue reading Fake news alert: A newspaper article claims astrology can ‘combat’ coronavirus
Coronavirus: AYUSH Ministry’s dangerous prescription
When a passenger with symptoms suggestive of novel coronavirus infection is found at an airport, should he/she be quarantined and tested/treated in a hospital or allowed to go home and receive supportive management with Unani medicines? At a time when the number of novel coronavirus cases has touched 7,711 and deaths at 170 in mainland … Continue reading Coronavirus: AYUSH Ministry’s dangerous prescription
AYUSH’s dangerous prescription: Unani medicines for ‘symptomatic management of coronavirus infection’
The AYUSH Ministry appears to be encouraging people to self-medicate. It has sent out a press release listing out specific Unani medicines that would be “useful in symptomatic management of coronavirus infection”. Ironically, the release does not even mention the symptoms that people infected with coronavirus exhibit. Nearly four weeks after China first reported to … Continue reading AYUSH’s dangerous prescription: Unani medicines for ‘symptomatic management of coronavirus infection’
IMA condemns attack on doctors, nurses during JNU violence
In a strongly-worded statement, the Indian Medical Association has condemned attack on doctors and nurses when they tried providing medical aid to people injured in violence at JNU. If doctors and nurses are not safe in the capital of the country, it speaks volumes about the governance and lack of it, IMA says. After doctors … Continue reading IMA condemns attack on doctors, nurses during JNU violence
Debate: Can the National Medical Commission Bill address rural healthcare deficit?
On August 1, the Rajya Sabha passed the National Medical Commission (NMC) Bill, 2019 which has a provision to train people connected with modern medical profession to practice modern medicine. The Commission intends to grant about 3.5 lakh licences. The duration of the training programme has not been specified. The licensed Community Health Providers will … Continue reading Debate: Can the National Medical Commission Bill address rural healthcare deficit?
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