COVID-19: NTAGI analyzes data to decide on booster dose

“NTAGI is analyzing the data on infection of Kovid-19 in India to see the effectiveness of the vaccine and decide on additional and booster doses,” the sources said.

Earlier during its last meeting, the NTAGI did not make any final recommendations on additional COVID-19 vaccine doses and vaccines for children. However, both the issues were discussed in the meeting and booster dose was not on the agenda of today’s meeting.

Additionally, the government told the Delhi High Court that the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC) are deliberating and related to the dosage schedule of COVID-19 vaccines. Looking at the scientific evidence. As well as the need and rationale for booster doses of Covid-19 vaccines.

In an affidavit filed by Central Government Standing Counsel Anurag Ahluwalia, the government informed the Delhi High Court that NTAGI and NEGVAC are considering scientific evidence relating to the dosing schedule of Covid-19 vaccines as well as the need and rationale for booster doses. are and are considering. ,

The Center apprised the Court that NTAGI and NeGVAC are two expert bodies working together to guide the national COVID-19 vaccination programme.

NTAGI examines technical aspects like usage of different varieties of COVID-19 vaccines, interval between doses of vaccines, contraindications, etc. and recommends the same to NeGVAC. NEGFAC in turn provides holistic guidance and recommendations on all aspects of COVID-19 vaccination to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

The Center submitted that the current knowledge about the duration of immunity provided by COVID-19 vaccines in India is limited and will clearly be known only over a period of time.

The Center further said that the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the resulting disease has affected India from 2020 onwards as a new infectious disease whose full biological characteristics are yet unknown, and in such circumstances, booster dosage suitability or need. The vaccine for Kovid-19 has not yet been decided.

The Center further said that the current priority of the National COVID-19 Immunization Program is to cover the entire eligible population with complete vaccination (i.e. ‘two doses)’ and at present, there are no guidelines regarding the administration of booster doses from two experts. bodies.

The Centre’s response came on an affidavit filed in response to the court’s query on aspects of administration of a booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine whether necessary or not and the time frame it proposes to roll out.

The High Court had asked the Center to file a reply on aspects related to the booster disease of the Kovid-19 vaccine. The court’s remarks come in view of the increasing advocacy of booster doses in the West. The Delhi High Court was hearing various issues related to the COVID-19 crisis.

(with inputs from agencies)