The requirement, timing and nature of Covid vaccine booster doses will be based on scientific decisions according to Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog.
Dr Paul said, “The Union Health Minister has said in the parliament that the need, timing and nature of boosting will be based on scientific decisions and thinking that is what the government is engaged with.”
Asked about the severity of the emerging Covid variant, he said, “Covid always comes with mild symptoms in the initial stages. We are watching any change in the pattern of the presentation of the emerging cases very carefully.”
Dr Paul said coordinated efforts are being made to ensure the availability and optimization of medical oxygen usage.
“The country has ramped up oxygen production and availability. A lot of efforts have been made across the country including provisioning more than 1,500 PSA plants. Most of them are now functional. In order to improve coordination and facilitation, a comprehensive data system Oxycare has been launched. Things are being monitored regularly. We are prepared for any eventuality,” he added.
Meanwhile, India reported 6,317 fresh Covid-19 cases and 318 deaths in the last 24 hours, informed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.
