India On A Brink Of Attaining Herd Immunity As WHO-AIIMS' Report Suggests Seropositivity Rate Close To 70%

The report also reveals that presumable third wave wouldn't be as dreaded as first two waves

Delhi: The seropositivity report by WHO in collaboration with AIIMS ascertains that third wave wouldn't be as heinous as the first two, said Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog. It can also observed that India is on the brink of attaining herd immunity as a country with the seropositivity rate between 70 per cent to 80 per cent is known to have herd immunised, according to reports.

Around 67 per cent people above the age group of 18 have been infected by Coronavirus in the country so far while those of age group below 18 have been reported as 59 per cent tested positive. It is quite revealing that 78 per cent of urban India above 18 years have been exposed to Covid-19 while those of age group below 18 have also attained the seropositivity rate of 79 per cent.

"WHO-AIIMS survey shows seropositivity in persons below and above 18 years of age is almost equal. In persons above 18, the seropositivity rate is 67% & 59% in persons below 18. In urban areas, it is 78% in persons below 18 & 79% in above 18. In rural areas, the seropositivity rate is 56% in persons below 18 years of age & 63% in persons above 18. The information show that the children were infected but it was very mild. Only isolated cases of infection may occur in children (during 3rd wave of COVID)," Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog.