As the virus evolved, our perception of protection conferred by vaccines changed dramatically. From the popular notions of herd immunity and vaccinating our way out of the pandemic, the discussion is now centred around booster doses and the eventuality of living with the virus. As the virus evolved, our perception of protection conferred by vaccines … Continue reading How the idea of vaccine protection changed in one year
AstraZeneca
Does the Omicron variant make a case for booster doses?
What is the major objective of a booster dose -- to protect from infection or protect from severe disease and death, who should get it first whenever it is approved, is there enough evidence recommending for their use, and should we give boosters when primary immunisation is not complete? Dr. Chandrakant Lahariya, physician epidemiologist and … Continue reading Does the Omicron variant make a case for booster doses?
Mechanism of blood clots after Oxford vaccine administration found
A study published has revealed for the first time the mechanism responsible for blood clot arising from thrombosis with thrombocytopenia syndrome (TTS) following vaccination with AstraZeneca vaccine. A multi-institutional study published on December 1 in the journal Science Advances has revealed for the first time the mechanism responsible for blood clot arising from thrombosis with … Continue reading Mechanism of blood clots after Oxford vaccine administration found
More studies show hybrid immunity provides better protection
One more study has shown that a combination of natural infection and a single dose of vaccine provides greater immunity than either natural infection without vaccination or full vaccination in infection-naïve individuals. Yet another study has shown that a combination of natural infection with a single dose of vaccine provides greater immunity than either natural … Continue reading More studies show hybrid immunity provides better protection
As U.S approves booster shots, under 3.5% vaccinated in Africa
Of the nearly 6 billion doses administered globally, only 2% have been in Africa; about 80% have been administered in high- and upper-middle income countries. Less than 3.5% of people in Africa have been fully vaccinated so far compared with 54% of the total population in the U.S. Unkept promises of supplying vaccines to COVAX, … Continue reading As U.S approves booster shots, under 3.5% vaccinated in Africa
India caught asleep at the wheel with Green Pass for Covishield
The definitive steps taken by the EU in issuing digital vaccination certificates since January this year was well known. Yet, it was only on June 29, two days before the Green Pass became effective in the European Union that India woke to reality. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar tweeted saying he had taken up the … Continue reading India caught asleep at the wheel with Green Pass for Covishield
Full vaccination with AstraZeneca offers 92% protection against hospitalisation with delta variant
With the delta variant, both AstraZeneca and Pfizer vaccines offer high protection against hospitalisation. One dose of AstraZeneca vaccine offered 71% protection against hospitalisation, while two doses offered 92% protection. In the case of Pfizer vaccine, the protection against hospitalisation was 94% after one dose and 96% after two doses. A real-world study undertaken by … Continue reading Full vaccination with AstraZeneca offers 92% protection against hospitalisation with delta variant
Two vaccine doses offer 77% protection against hospitalisation, CMC Vellore study finds
A study of health-care workers of CMC Vellore found that two doses of COVID-19 vaccine offer 65% protection against infection, 77% protection against hospitalisation, 92% protection against oxygen care, and 94% protection from ICU admission. Even a singe dose offered significant protection against infection and hospitalisation. Over 93% of individuals received Covishield. A study carried … Continue reading Two vaccine doses offer 77% protection against hospitalisation, CMC Vellore study finds
I would be reluctant to change Covishield dose interval at a time when we still have intense transmission: Gagandeep Kang
Even as the government flatly denies that its decision to increase the Covishield dose interval to 12-16 weeks is not due to vaccine shortage and is instead based on real-world data, there is no such real-world data to support its decision while it is common knowledge that acute shortage of vaccines is leading to a … Continue reading I would be reluctant to change Covishield dose interval at a time when we still have intense transmission: Gagandeep Kang
Serum refuses to address differential pricing for Central and State governments
The differential pricing for central and State governments is the sticking point, which is not addressed by Serum in its statement that came after the Health Minister and Health Ministry clarified the price of Rs.150 per dose to the central government. On April 24, Adar Poonawalla, CEO of Serum Institute, issued a statement to address … Continue reading Serum refuses to address differential pricing for Central and State governments
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