One Dose Of Covid Vaccine 96.6% Effective In Preventing Death, 2 Doses 97.5%: ICMR

Dr Bhargava said that most deaths in the second wave of Covid-19 in April-May were recorded among the unvaccinated.

(Representative Image/ Getty)

New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director General Dr Balram Bhargava on Thursday said a single dose of Covid-19 vaccine is 96.6 percent effective in preventing death, while two doses prevent death by 97.5 percent.

Dr Bhargava said that most deaths in the second wave of Covid-19 in April-May were recorded among the unvaccinated.

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Addressing a press conference on the Covid-19 situation in the country, the ICMR Director General cited the data collected between April 18 till August 15 this year and categorically stated that vaccination prevents deaths.

He added “this vaccine protective effect against death is there in all age groups, whether it be 60 and above, whether it be 45-59 and 18-44 years”.

Echoing similar sentiments, Niti Aayog member (Health) Dr V.K. Paul said it is clear that two doses of Covid-19 vaccine show complete protection.

Dr Paul, who is the chief of Covid-19 Task Force, further said about 72 crore vaccine doses have been given so far.

“58% above 18 years given single dose, it should be 100%. No one should be left behind…Those left should get administered to develop herd immunity,” he added.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, who was also present during the media briefing, said the pace of vaccination and coverage is rapidly increasing.

“The average per day dose administered has increased from 20 lakh in May to 78 lakh in September. This number is expected to climb even higher,” he added.

The Health Secretary informed that more vaccines have been administered in the first seven days of September than in 30 days of May.

“86 lakh doses have been administered in the last 24 hours. We should increase the pace of vaccination before festivals. The states and Centre should work to vaccinate vulnerable population,” he added.

The Health Secretary further said 43,263 cases, including over 32,000 from Kerala, have been reported in last 24 hours.