For the 1st time in 14 days, daily cases decreased due to lower testing over the weekend. Amid the battle against coronavirus, India began its booster program for frontline workers and for those above the age of 60.

3rd Covid dose for healthcare workers, senior citizens

Indian biotech firm Bharat Biotech on Saturday claimed that its Covid vaccine, Covaxin, offered long-term protection against severe Covid disease when used as a booster dose during the clinical&nbsp;trial.

The Hyderabad-based company said it found encouraging results after a booster dose was given to trial participants six months from the day they received their second dose

&nbsp;“Six months after a two-dose BBV152 vaccination series cell-mediated immunity and neutralising antibodies to both homologous (D614G) and heterologous strains (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Delta plus) persisted above baseline, although the magnitude of the responses had declined.”

Furthermore, neutralising antibodies against homologous and heterologous SARS-CoV-2 variants increased from 19 to 265 folds after a third vaccination, it added. 
Booster BBV152 vaccination, also known as Covaxin, is safe and may be necessary to ensure persistent immunity to prevent breakthrough infections, the company added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-reports-over-141900-covid-19-cases-in-24-hours-443065" hreflang="en">India reports over 1,41,900 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours</a>

“These trial results provide a strong foundation towards our goal to provide Covaxin as a booster dose,” Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella said.

“Our goal of developing a global vaccine against COVID-19 has been achieved with Covaxin indicated for adults, children, two dose primary and booster doses. This enables use of the vaccine as a universal vaccine,” he said.

Ella said that the third dose of Covaxin would be beneficial to maintain the highest levels of protection.

Bharat Biotech noted that Covaxin is formulated uniquely such that the same dosage can be administered to adults and children alike.

Meanwhile, India administered 9 million vaccines in the past 24 hours, taking India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 150 million till 7 am on Saturday.

India’s recovery rate now stands at 97.30 per cent.

Indian biotech firm Bharat Biotech on Saturday claimed that its Covid vaccine, Covaxin, offered long-term protection against severe Covid disease when used as a booster dose during the clinical trial.

Indian biotech firm Bharat Biotech on Saturday claimed that its Covid vaccine, Covaxin, offered long-term protection against severe Covid disease when used as a booster dose during the clinical trial. The Hyderabad-based company said it found encouraging results after a booster dose was given to trial participants six months from the day they received their second dose “Six months after a two-dose BBV152 vaccination series cell-mediated immunity and neutralising antibodies to both homologous (D614G) and heterologous strains (Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Delta plus) persisted above baseline, although the magnitude of the responses had declined.” Furthermore, neutralising antibodies against homologous and heterologous SARS-CoV-2 variants increased from 19 to 265 folds after a third vaccination, it added. Booster BBV152 vaccination, also known as Covaxin, is safe and may be necessary to ensure persistent immunity to prevent breakthrough infections, the company added. Also read | India reports over 1,41,900 COVID-19 cases in 24 hours “These trial results provide a strong foundation towards our goal to provide Covaxin as a booster dose,” Bharat Biotech Chairman and Managing Director Krishna Ella said. “Our goal of developing a global vaccine against COVID-19 has been achieved with Covaxin indicated for adults, children, two dose primary and booster doses. This enables use of the vaccine as a universal vaccine,” he said. Ella said that the third dose of Covaxin would be beneficial to maintain the highest levels of protection. Bharat Biotech noted that Covaxin is formulated uniquely such that the same dosage can be administered to adults and children alike. Meanwhile, India administered 9 million vaccines in the past 24 hours, taking India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage to 150 million till 7 am on Saturday. India’s recovery rate now stands at 97.30 per cent.

Covaxin booster offers long-term protection against severe Covid infection: Bharat Biotech

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a 'precaution dose' for citizens of and above the age of 60. The announcement was made in a surprise televised address to the nation. <o:p></o:p>

PM Modi announced that considering the wide spread of the Omicron variant all over the world, India will start administering ‘precautionary doses’ for people above the age of 60 and frontline workers.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/omicron-variant-in-india-live-422-cases-reported-till-now-440325">Omicron variant in India Live: 422 cases reported till now</a></o:p>

Who is eligible?<o:p></o:p>

All Indian citizens of and above the age of 60 are eligible for the COVID-19 ‘precautionary doses’. Those eligible would also need a ‘comorbidities certificate’ before taking the shot, clarified Dr RS Sharma, chief executive officer (CEO) at National Health Authority (NHA).<o:p></o:p>

In addition to this age group, healthcare and frontline workers are also eligible for this precautionary shot.<o:p></o:p>

When will the vaccination programme start?<o:p></o:p>

The vaccine programme for all eligible people will tentatively start from January 10 of next year.

Have a look&nbsp;| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/pictures-amid-omicron-fear-indian-streets-were-seen-packed-with-crowd-on-christmas-440078">Amid Omicron fear, Indian streets were seen packed with crowd on Christmas</a>

What is the process?

The process for getting this 'precaution dose' will be largely similar to the one followed for the vaccination programme for people of and above the age of 45, and suffered from specified co-morbidities.

<o:p></o:p>

What are the 'comorbidities' mentioned?<o:p></o:p>

As per medical terms, a comorbidity is the presence of a serious health condition (or multiple conditions) that are co-occurring with primary health conditions. The government has mentioned 20 such comorbidities, out of which few are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stem cell transplant, kidney disease or on dialysis, cirrhosis, cancer, sickle cell disease, and current prolonged use of steroids or immunosuppressant drugs.<o:p></o:p>

Eligible citizens can upload copy of their comorbidity certificates on the Co-WIN 2.0 platform after getting it signed by any medical practitioner. People will also be asked to carry a hard copy of the certificate to the vaccination centres.<o:p></o:p><o:p></o:p>

What is the required gap between the ‘precaution dose’ and the second Covid vaccine?<o:p></o:p>

The gap between the second Covid shot and the ‘precaution dose’ has not yet been announced by the government. However, experts believe the gap might be near nine to twelve months. The immunisation division and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI)&nbsp;are discussing the matter for now and a final decision will soon be announced.<o:p></o:p>

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a 'precaution dose' for citizens of and above the age of 60. The announcement was made in a surprise televised address to the nation.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently announced a 'precaution dose' for citizens of and above the age of 60. The announcement was made in a surprise televised address to the nation. PM Modi announced that considering the wide spread of the Omicron variant all over the world, India will start administering ‘precautionary doses’ for people above the age of 60 and frontline workers. Also read | Omicron variant in India Live: 422 cases reported till now Who is eligible? All Indian citizens of and above the age of 60 are eligible for the COVID-19 ‘precautionary doses’. Those eligible would also need a ‘comorbidities certificate’ before taking the shot, clarified Dr RS Sharma, chief executive officer (CEO) at National Health Authority (NHA). In addition to this age group, healthcare and frontline workers are also eligible for this precautionary shot. When will the vaccination programme start? The vaccine programme for all eligible people will tentatively start from January 10 of next year. Have a look | Amid Omicron fear, Indian streets were seen packed with crowd on Christmas What is the process? The process for getting this 'precaution dose' will be largely similar to the one followed for the vaccination programme for people of and above the age of 45, and suffered from specified co-morbidities. What are the 'comorbidities' mentioned? As per medical terms, a comorbidity is the presence of a serious health condition (or multiple conditions) that are co-occurring with primary health conditions. The government has mentioned 20 such comorbidities, out of which few are cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, stem cell transplant, kidney disease or on dialysis, cirrhosis, cancer, sickle cell disease, and current prolonged use of steroids or immunosuppressant drugs. Eligible citizens can upload copy of their comorbidity certificates on the Co-WIN 2.0 platform after getting it signed by any medical practitioner. People will also be asked to carry a hard copy of the certificate to the vaccination centres. What is the required gap between the ‘precaution dose’ and the second Covid vaccine? The gap between the second Covid shot and the ‘precaution dose’ has not yet been announced by the government. However, experts believe the gap might be near nine to twelve months. The immunisation division and the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) are discussing the matter for now and a final decision will soon be announced.

As India announces 'precaution dose' for some, here's all you need to know about it

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday (December 25) as concerns over the new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) is gripping India. Experts have warned that a new virus wave might come in the upcoming months, probably February and March.&nbsp;

PM Modi talked about a range of topics, here are the key takeaways from the address:&nbsp;

1) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens to be careful while engaging in festivities amid concerns over the Omicron outbreak.

2) He announced Covid vaccination for children of 15-18 age group, which will start from January 3.&nbsp;

3) 'Precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine to be given to frontline and health care workers from January 10, 2022.&nbsp;

4) He said that those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities can also avail of a 'precaution dose' of the Covid vaccine on doctor's advice.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-capital-registers-249-new-covid-cases-witnesses-biggest-single-day-spike-since-june-13-439956">Indian capital registers 249 new Covid cases, witnesses biggest single-day spike since June 13</a>

5) Nasal vaccine, the world's first DNA vaccine against Covid will soon start in India.&nbsp;

6) PM Modi said that it is not the time to panic, but asked the citizens to be careful. He said to use face masks, hand sanitisation, and other prescribed Covid measures.&nbsp;

7) He said that over 90 per cent of the eligible adult population got the first dose and over 61 per cent have got both doses of the Covid vaccine.

8)&nbsp;He added that it is the collective effort and collective will of all the citizens of the country that India has crossed the unprecedented and very difficult target of 141 crore vaccine doses.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iit-kanpur-study-tells-when-third-covid-19-wave-in-india-may-peak-439713">IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak</a>

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My address to the nation. <a href="https://t.co/dBQKvHXPtv">https://t.co/dBQKvHXPtv</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1474775804336697345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2021</a></blockquote>
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India's Union Health Ministry informed that the country has reported 7,189 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the nationwide case tally of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has reached 415.

Amid the Omicron scare and surge in cases in various parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that multi-disciplinary Central teams would be deployed in ten identified states.

"A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary Central teams to 10 identified States some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace," says Union Health Ministry in an official statement.&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday (December 25) as concerns over the new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) is gripping India. Experts have warned that a new virus wave might come in the upcoming months, probably February and March.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on Saturday (December 25) as concerns over the new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) is gripping India. Experts have warned that a new virus wave might come in the upcoming months, probably February and March. PM Modi talked about a range of topics, here are the key takeaways from the address: 1) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the citizens to be careful while engaging in festivities amid concerns over the Omicron outbreak. 2) He announced Covid vaccination for children of 15-18 age group, which will start from January 3. 3) 'Precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine to be given to frontline and health care workers from January 10, 2022. 4) He said that those above 60 years of age and with comorbidities can also avail of a 'precaution dose' of the Covid vaccine on doctor's advice. ALSO READ | Indian capital registers 249 new Covid cases, witnesses biggest single-day spike since June 13 5) Nasal vaccine, the world's first DNA vaccine against Covid will soon start in India. 6) PM Modi said that it is not the time to panic, but asked the citizens to be careful. He said to use face masks, hand sanitisation, and other prescribed Covid measures. 7) He said that over 90 per cent of the eligible adult population got the first dose and over 61 per cent have got both doses of the Covid vaccine. 8) He added that it is the collective effort and collective will of all the citizens of the country that India has crossed the unprecedented and very difficult target of 141 crore vaccine doses. ALSO READ | IIT-Kanpur study tells when third COVID-19 wave in India may peak My address to the nation. https://t.co/dBQKvHXPtv — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 25, 2021 × India's Union Health Ministry informed that the country has reported 7,189 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours. Meanwhile, the nationwide case tally of the Omicron variant of coronavirus has reached 415. Amid the Omicron scare and surge in cases in various parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry on Saturday said that multi-disciplinary Central teams would be deployed in ten identified states. "A decision has been taken to deploy multi-disciplinary Central teams to 10 identified States some of which are either reporting an increasing number of Omicron and COVID-19 cases or slow vaccination pace," says Union Health Ministry in an official statement. × (With inputs from agencies)

COVID-19: From vaccination for children to DNA jabs - key takeaways from PM Modi's address