A new study has found high levels of
protection (seroprevalence) against COVID-19 in over 500 healthcare workers
even three to seven months after taking two doses of Covishield doses.

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The study, conducted by Pune-based BJ
Government Medical College (BJMC) and Sassoon hospital, also found that the
antibody prevalence was above 90 per cent in all 558 healthcare workers (HCWs).

The study also stated that with high levels
of protection in 558 healthcare workers, a booster shot, while many people are
yet to get their second shots, may not be advisable.

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“Though we found that the antibody
prevalence decreased as the duration of interval increased after two doses of
Covid vaccine, immunity levels remained high. Antibody positivity among the
study participants was at 96.77% at three months post full vaccination, rising
to 100% at four months, and then falling to 91.89% at seven months after the
initial two doses,” Dr Muralidhar Tambe was quoted by Times of India.

Dr Tambe said overall, of the 558 HCWs who
participated in the study, 94.4% were positive for COVID neutralising
antibodies at the time of the study period.

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Meanwhile, the Andaman and Nicobar islands
achieved 100 per cent double dose against COVID-19, the administration
announced on Sunday. The Union Territories used only Covidshield doses to
achieve the feat.

“A&N achieved 100% Covid vaccine
coverage making it 1st State/UT to achieve the feat using only Covishield. UT
Admin overcame Insurmountable odds for this extraordinary feat in one of the
remotest parts of the world,” it said in a tweet.

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Sharing the challenges faced by the
administration during the vaccination drive, the administration said the
inoculation was difficult due to scattered population and geographically
complicated terrain.

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“Vaccination in Andaman & Nicobar was
extremely challenging as the UT is spread over 836 islands; spread over 800 km
from North to South separated by rough sea, extremely dense jungle, hills &
exposed to inclement weather,’ the UT said in another tweet.