Can 4th COVID dose avert 4th wave? Experts amid XXB.1.16 surge
India is witnessing a sudden surge in COVID cases, triggered by XXB.1.16 subtype of Omicron. With cases doubling in days, WHO technical lead Maria Van Kerkhove has said that ‘the new variant is to watch out for’.
Amid such concerns, many are worried whether we are likely to witness a fourth COVID wave and, if yes, do we need a fourth COVID dose. “The Indian population is well placed with two doses of the primary and one booster.
At present, there is no data to show that a fourth dose is needed, Dr Sanjeev Bagai, Chairman of Nephron Clinic, told India Today, adding, “Also, for those who are getting the booster dose now, it is wise to look at the intra-nasal vaccine that gives excellent IGA and resident T-Cell memory immunity for long-term lung protection." He, however, suggested using bivalent vaccines containing parts of both the original virus strain and the Omicron variant to provide superior protection against COVID.
Despite the rise in cases and concerns about the new variant's ability to evade natural and vaccine-induced immunity, eminent biologist Shekhar Mande stated that boosters for COVID-19 may not be very beneficial due to insufficient scientific evidence. “The scientific evidence on the benefit of boosters is weak," Mande told News18.
United States
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Cases: 46 252 513
Deaths: 750 423
Recovered: 0
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India
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Cases: 34 321 025
Deaths: 459 652
Recovered: 0
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Brazil
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Cases: 21 835 785
Deaths: 608 235
Recovered: 0
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United Kingdom
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Cases: 9 215 683
Deaths: 141 607
Recovered: 0
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Russia
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Cases: 8 494 589
Deaths: 237 619
Recovered: 0
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