The study, which was published in the journal Lancet in April 2021, was done after the Delta variant of COVID-19 wreaked havoc in the country
The reputed medical journal published the details of a new study which found Covishield effective against moderate to severe patients of COVID-19.
The study was conducted to test the efficacy of Covishield which is made in India by Serum Institute on SARS-CoV-2 infection during the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant surge in India. 80% of the vaccines that have been administered to the Indian population are Covishield.
The study reported in the Journal Lancet was conducted in April 2021 when the the Delta variant of COVID-19 had created havoc in the country. Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, India carried out the study which found the vaccine effective in 63% of people who had taken both the doses. Similarly, the vaccine was effective in 81% of the moderate to severely ill COVID-19 afflicted persons.
Effective booster dose against Omicron variant could be available in six months
Meanwhile, the Head of Serum Institute which makes the Covishield vaccines in India, Adar Poonawala said that a booster dose which will be effective against the Omicron variant could be available in six months. The parent Oxford Institute which made the Covishield vaccine is studying the new variant and will strategize the need for a fourth booster dose.
In the meantime, the Central health minister, Mansukh Mandviya told the Parliament that the Omicron variant of Coronavirus has not been detected in any part of the country.
Chance of a possible lockdown is looming large
The chance of a future lockdown is looming and is causing jitters to the population and the industry as well. However, Karnataka Chief Minister has categorically stated that there will be no lockdown but restrictive measures will be taken to minimize the risks.
The State Health Minister has said that two persons from South Africa had arrived in Bangalore and are kept in isolation. The blood test report is awaited.
More than 1000 persons have arrived in Mumbai from Africa. 100 swab samples have been taken from 466 persons. Six samples have tested positive and has been sent for genome sequencing to ascertain the strain of the virus.
Meanwhile, 6990 new cases of Coronavirus have been detected in the country in the last 24 hours and active cases were 1,00,543 which is the lowest in 546 days. Of the 190 fatalities, the highest was in Kerala (117) while Maharashtra accounted for 21 deaths.