Concerns over the new wave of COVID-19, largely driven by the coronavirus variant Omicron, have only grown further in the last few months. 

Cases around the world have been on an exponential rise, forcing governments to dampen down festivities and impose restrictions on gatherings, events, and travel. While the general advisory of wearing face masks and maintaining physical distance remains the same, a new discussion surrounding waning vaccine effectiveness and the possible need for a third dose – the booster jab – has come to the forum. 

Several countries have already started administering the booster shot. In an interim statement, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday, “To date, the evidence indicates a minimal to modest reduction of vaccine protection against severe disease over the six months after the primary series.”

Also Read | Australia reduces booster dose interval amid COVID wave

In early December, the WHO’s Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunisation had conducted a review of 18 studies on vaccine effectiveness in different countries (vaccines used were Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca/India’s Covishield, Johnson & Johnson). The evidence, to date, indicates a “minimal to modest reduction of vaccine protection against severe disease over the six months after the primary series”, the statement read.

“Duration of protection against the Omicron variant may be altered and is under active investigation,” the WHO added.

Also Read | Data from UK proves small victory against omicron

So what does this mean for India? 

Speaking to The Indian Express, Dr Srinath Reddy, President of the Public Health Foundation of India, said, “We have to see how many of the breakthrough infections are classified as a severe infection. Because if it is mild to moderate, it is not a cause for concern.”

Reading the WHO statement in the context of India, VK Paul, head of the national COVID-19 task force, voiced that the decision has to be ‘driven by science that is applicable to our situation’ and ‘our vaccines’. 

“There are intense efforts to culture the virus and we will test our vaccines (against Omicron). Be rest assured the decision for adolescent vaccination and booster doses will be taken on scientific principles and overarching interest of people of India,” he was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

Also Read |  Vaccine alone not sufficient against omicron: Indian govt analysis

Dr Subhash Salunkhe, also a member of the Covid task force, said booster doses for those eligible, and primary doses for others, must be given concurrently. “This is not an either/or situation. It has to be done concurrently. Those who need the second dose are definitely a priority but the third dose is also required, especially for immuno-compromised persons and healthcare workers.”

So far, it is not known which vaccines can be used for booster shots in India, but a preliminary understanding is that the third dose should be of the same ‘platform’ (inactivated virus or adenoviral vector) used in the primary vaccine.

The report, citing sources, mentioned that the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) real-time tracker has shown that breakthrough infections are under 2% among the general public and around 7% among doctors. 

Also Read |COVID restrictions back in these states over omicron threat ahead of New Year

The source also said, “certain dates, and, timelines, are very important. A majority of India’s adult population received their first dose immediately prior to the second wave, and the second dose, most of the adult population definitely received it after the second wave… A substantial proportion has already received an ‘additional dose’ in terms of antibody response from the April-May Delta surge. How this impacts immunity is being scientifically examined,” reported The Indian Express.

Several states in India, such as Maharashtra, Kerala, and Delhi, and health groups such as the Indian Medical Association (IMA), have requested the government to begin booster shots. 

Also Read | An event cancelled is better than a life cancelled: WHO’s Omicron warning

Notably, the WHO has advised against ‘broad-based administration of booster doses risks’ in light of supply constraints of vaccines and access inequality across the world. “The Director-General of WHO has called for a moratorium on booster vaccination for healthy adults until the end of 2021 to counter the persisting and profound inequity in global vaccine access,” the health body said in the statement.