Boosters for the vulnerable? Maharashtra Covid Task Force divided

Crucial meeting of Covid Task Force ends inconclusive, despite some members favouring a third dose for those with comorbidities among general population

After much contemplation and delay, the booster dose against Covid-19 for healthcare, frontline workers and senior citizens started on January 10. Amid the third pandemic wave and fast spreading Omicron variant, the state Covid Task Force, in its meeting late on Monday elaborately discussed whether people with comorbidities should also be allowed to take the  booster vaccine. But there was no outcome on the issue.

More and more people are getting affected in the third wave. Therefore we discussed if the booster dose should be extended to people who have comorbidities and are immunocompromised. However, we couldn’t reach an agreement on who it should be given to apart from senior citizens,” said a task force member.

Another task force member said, “We have seen that omicron has taken over the delta variant and is a milder one. In such a scenario, it is not important to begin with a booster for some. Following the safety protocol and ensuring people have taken both the vaccine doses is a must. It is also seen that people who have taken both the vaccines are getting less affected.”

A senior citizen gets a booster dose at BKC centre on Monday. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar

But though the omicron variant is milder, some task force members said it is unwise to expose the population to natural infection and is dangerous. “We can’t risk people who have comorbidities getting the infection. Booster doses should be given to comorbid people who got both the doses 8-9 months back,” said another task force member.

‘Boosters necessary’

Dr Subhash Salunkhe, epidemiologist and advisor to the Maharashtra government on Covid-19 management, said the booster is part of the basic principle of any vaccines. “Inspite of taking two doses, there will be a time when the immunity will go down, requiring a booster shot. Booster doses are needed to ensure sufficient quantity of immunity is generated and maintained,” he said.

He added everyone needs to be given a booster but keeping in mind the availability of sufficient vaccines, the staggering approach is followed. “The vaccine production needs to be stepped up and we need more vaccines to deal with Covid-19, as eventually it will become endemic and we will have to maintain the vaccination drive for many coming years,” said Dr Salunkhe. Dr Vispi Jokhi, Chief Executive Officer, Masina Hospital, said India needs to compare itself with countries where the booster dose has been given to a significant number of the population.

“There has been global inequality in vaccinations wherein rich countries are hoarding vaccines and giving booster shots, whereas in the low-income countries even the first and second shots have not been given. India has rightly concentrated on the first and second shot vaccinations. At present the new wave of the pandemic is dominated by a highly infectious but less virulent strain of Covid-19. This policy of boosters for the vulnerable older population is perfect. My only grouse is with regards to the 9 month gap as many will still be exposed to infection and it could lead to death among senior citizens. Antibody levels should dictate the need for booster shots. Also some guidelines on mixing of vaccinations can help,” he said.

Jan 10
When boosters for seniors, frontline workers began

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