In the midst of a third wave of Covid-19 propelled by the highly contagious delta variant of the virus, India has begun a third phase of vaccination for adolescents aged between 15 and 18 years, with 40 lakh young Indians being vaccinated on the first day itself. This has given much needed relief to many parents who were worried about their children being completely unvaccinated in the face of the delta variant.The next phase of vaccination will be giving third doses or “boosters” to frontline workers and citizens aged 60 and above which has already started . Third dose vaccine in Delhi is available now; in case you are looking for a Covaxin booster dose in Delhi or an AstraZeneca booster shot in Delhi after your second shot, get yourself registered through Co-Win portal. The registration process is same as earlier. If you’re from overseas and waiting on a Pfizer booster in Delhi, you’ll have to contact your embassy as Pfizer is still unavailable here.

 

Studies from across the world have shown that a third dose (shot) of Covid-19 vaccine does indeed increase an individual’s resistance to the Omicron variant by as much as 88 per cent, even more. Remember that covid-19 is still a novel virus, and the vaccines developed to tackle the recent strains were done so in record time, it usually takes decades to develop vaccines for diseases. It is not perfect, but it is the best shot we have at protecting ourselves in this third wave. 

A third vaccine significantly increases the degree of protection against the omicron strain when compared to having just a second dose, which begins losing its efficacy after a period of six months or so. 

 

Experts have determined that vaccine effectiveness dips to just 52 per cent against Omicron, if 6 months or so have passed since taking the second shot of the Covid vaccine.

They also found that a third shot or booster dose greatly improved immunity and even lowered the chances of contracting Covid with severe symptoms, which may require hospitalisation for treatment. 

The omicron variant is not as severe as its predecessor; the deadly delta variant, but is much more contagious. Though most will have mild symptoms, the sheer number of people who are getting infected will drive up hospitalisations and burden the health system and common folk again. 

The vaccines we currently have were developed to fight earlier strains so it is only natural they are less effective against Omicron. However, it is an established fact that you’ll be at far lesser risk of experiencing severe symptoms and needing hospitalisation if you’re vaccinated, and even more so if you get a third dose. Those who get three doses are 81 per cent less likely to be hospitalised hospitalisation as opposed to completely unvaccinated people. 

Studies have also found that vaccinated school children (5 to 17 year olds) are at lower risk of suffering severe symptoms from Omicron and requiring hospitalisation compared to Delta affected cases.

 

Even if a person experiences symptoms after being infected with Omicron infections, the risk of hospitalisation is considerably lowered by an average of almost 70 per cent if they have received their third dose, as opposed to unvaccinated individuals. 

Here are some common concerns we’ve received from patients, have a look. 

What is a covid booster? 

A booster shot is an extra dose of a vaccine administered after the protection from the original two shots begins to wane, a booster is meant to help people maintain their antibodies and immunity for a longer period of time.

Who is eligible for a COVID-19 booster?

The booster shots are only available to people over the age of 60 who have already received both doses of the vaccine at least six months prior. Currently, boosters are available in India for those aged 60 and above/ immunosuppressed patients and frontline health worker.

Covishield is the only vaccine and booster approved for individuals aged 16 and 17, but boosters will be available in India for those aged 60 and above. 

 

Are there any COVID booster side effects?

After getting the booster, some may experience temporary symptoms similar to a flu shot, a sore and swollen arm, a fever, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue for a day or two. Not to worry, these are just signs of the immune system responding well to the vaccine and building up immunity.

 

When is the best time to get aCo COVID booster?

Experts have advised people who are immunosuppressed to get get the booster dose at least 28 days since the second shot. For other vaccinated individuals, six months from the second shot is generally the ideal time to get a booster.

 

 

Does the COVID booster have to be the same vaccine I got before?

As per guidelines presently it has to be the same vaccine as taken earlier.

 

When is the best time to get COVID booster?

Experts have advised people who are immunosuppressed to get get the booster dose at least 28 days since the second shot. For other vaccinated individuals, six months from the second shot is generally the ideal time to get a booster. 

 

Does the COVID booster have to be the same vaccine I got before?

All European studies have indicated that an individual can get different doses from various brands. It is safe to get a different brand’s COVID-19 vaccine booster that is not the same as the brand that made your your initial dose or doses, but as of now it is being advised to take the same vaccine as you had been administered before.

with Dr. Vikram Singh

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