Overview
Some agency officials confirmed that a meeting of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) is scheduled for 29th April. It is heavily foreshadowed that the advisory group may recommend a reduction of the gap between 2nd and a booster dose of the COVID vaccine.
Recently, the Indian Council Of Medical Research (ICMR) stated, “Immunity response is increased by administering booster dose after 6 months”. ICMR and many other international research institutions have found that antibody levels start decreasing after 6 months of 2 doses of the COVID vaccine, but can be boosted efficiently with a booster dose at this time. Taking these findings into consideration, officials have hinted that the period between 2nd vaccine dose and booster dose will be revised to 6 months. Although nothing can be confirmed at the moment, the final decision may be taken by NTAGI on Friday.
Why Is A Booster Dose Necessary?
On 29th March, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Bharti Pawar referenced a study by the ICMR wherein they tested the efficacy of a booster dose for the COVID vaccine. This study found that upon administering a third dose of AstraZeneca or Covishield there was an increment in the amount of COVID antibodies produced. The increase was almost 3 to 4 times higher than with just the second dose. This study and many other supporting international pieces of research confirm that a booster dose is significant in the fight against COVID-19.
Status Of Booster Dose In India
As of now, per the Health Departments’ records, 5,17,547 people in the bracket of ages 18 to 59 and 1,45,45,595 people above the age of 60 have been inoculated with the booster dose of the COVID vaccine. Besides this, reports also suggest that 47,36,567 health workers and 74,47,184 front line workers have been given the booster dose already.
If you are eligible to get the booster dose with the current gap of 9 months, book yourself an appointment immediately. And for those not yet eligible, here’s hoping NTAGI’s meeting today will shorten that waiting period for you. Stay strong, stay vigilant!
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A note on dates
This post reported a possible change to the gap between the second dose and the booster in April 2022. Government vaccine policy, eligibility and schedules have changed since, so do not rely on the dates above. For current advice, ask your doctor or check the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare website.
What to do next
- Ask the doctor which vaccines your parent needs now, including COVID-19, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines; see vaccines for older adults in India and vaccines for lung health after 60.
- Keep vaccine records, including certificates, in one folder.
- Tell the doctor about allergies, past reactions and current illness.
- Plan the day: eat, drink, take regular medicines and arrange transport.
- Rest after the shot and watch for mild fever or arm soreness.
- Seek care for severe symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, swelling of the face or a rash with difficulty breathing.
Help with getting vaccinated
Someone who cannot travel can ask about home vaccination; see vaccination at home.
When to ask a professional
A doctor decides the vaccines, schedule and timing, especially for people with weak immunity, heart or lung disease, or on certain medicines.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
Do older adults still need vaccines?
Yes. Vaccines protect against severe illness, and older adults are at higher risk, so ask your doctor about a current schedule.
Are vaccine side effects common?
Mild fever, tiredness and arm soreness are common and short-lived. Serious reactions are rare.
Where do I find the current schedule?
From your doctor or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Can a vaccine be given at home?
In many places, yes, with a trained team.
Sources and further reading
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, India, immunisation guidance for adults
- World Health Organization, COVID-19 vaccines advice
- National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI), India
Tags: COVID-19 vaccinebooster dosevaccination for seniorsimmunisationConditions and devicesFingertip pulse oximeterHealth monitoring devicesHealthy ageingElder care
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
