Serum Institute of India chief Adar Poonawalla told NDTV today that Covishield for the new Covid variant Omicron could be considered.
He stated that when more information about the new virus becomes available in the next two weeks, Omicron will be tested and a decision made.
Oxford University researchers are also working on a new vaccine that, if their findings are correct, could serve as a booster in six months. According to an exclusive interview with him for NDTV, the research would reveal the third and fourth dose for all of them.
He does not, however, believe that Omicron will necessitate a specific vaccine version
“The Lancet reports that Covishield has extremely high efficacy and significantly reduces the likelihood of hospitalization and death… He claims that Covishield’s effectiveness does not have to diminish over time, citing new research published in a peer-reviewed journal.
For the time being, the vaccine for those who haven’t already received it, as well as the second dose for those who have, should be prioritized.
Everyone must receive two doses of the vaccine, “a message for all—and a priority—that everyone receives.” That is the first step in safeguarding yourself against harm. Boosters can only be used the following year to improve the vehicle’s safety. He believes that the government’s top priority should be to vaccinate everyone twice.
He claims that the vaccines are providing additional protection to the vast majority of our population who have contracted Covid.
Large crowds frequently defied Covid rules during festivals such as Diwali and Dussehra, demonstrating that “the number of cases decreased despite festivals” in India.
He added that the plan to provide additional shots to immunocompromised people is still in the works.
