Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by The Health Master
PUNE: A person would have to take two doses of Covaxin even after recovering from Covid-19 for being considered as a fully vaccinated individual, a Union health ministry official said.
A recent study of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) stated that a single dose of Covaxin might be enough to protect those infected by Covid-19 prior to taking the shot.
But the official clarified that as of now, there was no change in the vaccination dosage and no communication had been issued regarding it.
“According to the prescribed format, the two doses have to be taken for full vaccination post-Covid infection. Since there is no change in the protocol, there would not be any change made in the Co-WIN app,” the Union health ministry official said.
ICMR officials also stated that both vaccine doses would be ideal even for previously infected individuals for full vaccination. Senior epidemiologist of ICMR Dr Samiran Panda said, “Full vaccination requires two doses, and this should be followed.”
“Antibody responses to the BBV152 vaccine in individuals previously infected with SARS-CoV-2: A pilot study” of ICMR was conducted on 114 healthcare professionals and frontline workers taking Covaxin shots from February to May 2021.
It found that those infected with Covid-19 and took one dose of Covaxin showed similar immune response as Covid-19 infection-naïve participants who received both the doses of the vaccine.
The study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research stated that the preliminary data suggested that a single dose of BBV152-induced humoral immunity in previously infected individuals was equivalent to two doses of the vaccine in infection-naïve individuals.
It pointed out that “participants with previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, after a single vaccine (BBV152) dose elicited IgG (N) and IgG (S) antibody levels, along with NAb binding inhibition responses levels, that were similar to infection-naïve vaccinated participants who had taken two doses of the vaccine”.
According to ICMR, the findings of the study offers evidence in support of public health-oriented and immunologically sustained vaccine strategies that could include recommending a one-dose regimen for those infected by Covid-19.
It said these findings would need to be confirmed with large-size cohort studies. Dr Panda said further studies would be undertaken.
Steroids: Regulation requited for its dose and duration: Experts
BIS releases updated list of Standards for 4 Equipments
NABL clarifies that it has no Regulatory Powers
UK approves Pfizer, AstraZeneca as Booster dose for Covid
DCGI directs API manufacturers to submit applications online
Latest Notifications regarding Pharmaceuticals
For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon: