Health body appeals to Centre to allow booster dose for eligible population

Amid fear of waning antibodies in fully vaccinated people, the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHP-India) has appealed to the Central government on Saturday to agree to a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccination for all eligible people

New Delhi: Amid fear of waning antibodies in fully vaccinated people, the Association of Healthcare Providers (AHP-India) has appealed to the central government on Saturday to agree to a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccination for all eligible people. The AHP-India appealed to Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to consider giving booster dose on a voluntary basis.

In a letter sent to health minister Mandaviya, the association said that there is uncertainty regarding the duration of protection being offered as a result of the probable waning away of antibodies.

"Also there have been instances of individuals being diagnosed with Covid, inspite of having had two doses of Covid-19 vaccination. We are also aware that government is considering introducing booster dose, to atleast the vulnerable groups, to begin with," the letter said.

It said that the scientific committee of AHPI has also suggested that government may consider allowing the eligible population to have the booster dose on a voluntary basis.

Talking to ETV Bharat, AHP-India director-general Dr Giridhar Gyani said that the government may utilise the stocks of vaccines available with the private sector hospitals.

"There are stocks of vaccine available with the private hospitals and the government can start allowing the eligible population to get booster dose on voluntary basis," said Dr Gyani.

Quoting reports, Dr Gyani said that there are several cases where Covid recovered persons got re-infected even after getting two jabs.

It may be mentioned here that the National Task Force on Covid-19 is also examining the necessity for a booster dose in India.

In fact, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has also subscribed to the view of giving booster dose to the people.

Talking to this correspondent, IMA secretary-general Dr Jayesh M Lele said, "Booster dose is important because we have seen that after both the doses immunity remains at 60 to 70 percent, in addition, the level of immunity in a person gets reduced after 6-7 months. Hence, booster dose is important especially for doctors, paramedical and other field level workers to begin with,"

Asserting that this is a normal process to boost immunity, Dr Lele said that many countries have started giving the booster dose. He said that many people across India have built strong immunity and "that is good for India's fight against Covid-19."

Dr Lele also said that government may soon approve the vaccines for children between 12-18 years of age.