Vaccination is insufficient; 9 out of 10 people infected with Omicron were given both doses: Centre
The Centre shared the findings of an investigation of 183 people who had been infected with Omicron, emphasising that “vaccine alone will not be enough to prevent the pandemic,” and that mask use and surveillance are critical to breaking the chain of transmission.
According to the Centre’s investigation of 183 Omicron cases in India, at least nine out of ten people infected with the highly transmissible Omicron strain of Covid-19 are completely vaccinated.
The Centre shared the findings of the investigation on Friday, emphasising that “vaccine alone is not sufficient to contain the pandemic,” and that mask use and surveillance are critical to breaking the transmission cycle.
According to the research, 27% of the cases had no history of international travel, showing the existence of Omicron in the population, according to Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
It also shows that 87 people (91%) were fully vaccinated, with three of them receiving booster doses, and that only seven people out of 183 were unvaccinated, with two partially vaccinated. The Centre also stated that the vaccination status of 73 of those analysed was unknown, and that 16 of those analysed were not eligible for vaccines.
Dr V K Paul, the leader of India’s Covid-19 task team, warned that the Omicron poses a greater danger of transmission inside homes than the Delta. “Because Omicron is significantly transmissible compared to Delta, it is apparent that it is spreading in families.”
Because he didn’t wear a mask outside, the one individual who carries the sickness inside will infect others in the house. In Omicron, the risk is greater. “This is something we should bear in mind,” Paul remarked.
“I’d like to emphasise the importance of taking care of oneself. Festivals and New Year are approaching, and a new variety has evolved during this time. As a result, sensible behaviour such as wearing a mask, maintaining good hand hygiene, and avoiding crowding is the way to go. Unnecessary travel must be avoided at all costs. We are unable to travel in huge groups. Constant vigilance is required. Containment and surveillance tactics are still one of the most important tools for combating the pandemic. Although we have the vaccine, it will not be enough to stop the epidemic. Contact tracking and perimeter management should be prioritised, according to Paul.
