Need, Time & Nature Of Covid Booster To Be Based On Scientific Thinking, Says Dr VK Paul

He added that since covid comes with mild symptoms in the initial stages, the experts are watching if there is any change in the pattern. 

Dr. Paul chairs the National Task Force on Covid-19. (Photo: ANI)

New Delhi: Dr VK Paul, who chairs the National task force on Covid-19, said on Wednesday assured that a decision on the covid-19 booster will come which will be based on scientific thinking.

Talking to the news agency ANI, Dr Paul said, “Health Minister has said in the parliament, the need, the timing, and the nature of boosting if any will be based on the scientific decision, thinking.”

He added that since covid comes with mild symptoms in the initial stages, the experts are watching if there is any change in the pattern. 

Health Minister has said in the parliament, the need, the timing, and the nature of boosting if any will be based on the scientific decision, thinking: Dr VK Paul, Member-Health, Niti Aayog on Booster dose #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/bPhJcuVD44

— ANI (@ANI) December 22, 2021

On Wednesday morning, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the central government over the booster dose. He questioned the government that when will it begin the booster shots as the majority of the population is unvaccinated in the country. 

“Majority of our population is still not vaccinated. When will GOI begin booster shots? #VaccinateIndia,” he wrote on Twitter with an estimate showing that 42 percent of India’s population will be vaccinated by December end if the current vaccination rate continues.

Majority of our population is still not vaccinated.

When will GOI begin booster shots? #VaccinateIndia pic.twitter.com/IPQOP36vXZ

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) December 22, 2021

Meanwhile, Dr. S K Sarin, Director of ILBS Delhi told ANI that a booster is a must as the immunity provided by two doses reduces after 3-6 months.

“If you have a third dose or a booster then the chance of having a severe infection, hospitalization reduces,” he said.

He urged that it should be seen in the context of increasing Omicron cases in the country. And that the frontline workers must get a booster shot. 

“We have to consider this in the context of the Omicron in India. I think the health care workers and frontline workers must get a booster and also to people having some comorbidities. I think govt must be thinking about it,” said Dr Sarin.