Covishield fails to protect against Omicron, need booster: NIV study

Researchers at NIV prove the inefficiency of vaccination in protecting against potential evasion by Omicron variant

The Indian Council of Medical Research – National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) based in Pune has reportedly identified a case of an individual with 3-time Covid infection despite being vaccinated with a Covishield jab.

According to the researchers from Pune NIV, the infected individual – a 38-year-old healthcare professional – had a history of primary SARS-CoV2 infection followed by a Delta-caused breakthrough infection and a reinfection from Omicron, all within a span of 16 months.

The findings of the study clearly demonstrate the ability of Omicron variant to evade immune system irrespective of the infection and vaccination status of a patient.

As per the report, the infected individual was first tested positive during the first wave of the pandemic with symptoms including dry cough, body ache, and fever in October. However he had no trouble breathing, and post recovery showed signs of long covid.

The following month, the healthcare professional was again tested positive for SARS-COV-2 after experiencing a recurring body ache and headache, which dialled down after a couple days.

Nonetheless, the individual was not spared during the third wave of COVID-19 and developed a headache in January 2022 with an asymptomatic infection for a span of two months.

Apparently, the patient had been given the first shot of Covishield vaccine in January 2021, and 2 months later, in March was vaccinated with the second dose.

Researchers believe that, even though vaccination helps contain the severity of the virus, it still cannot prevent the probability of breakthrough infection in individuals.

With a conclusive study, the NIV researchers underpin the need for a more potent solution against Covid-19, considering the shorter duration of immunization that is offered by the vaccine boosters which subsequently fades away.

Moreover, the study also highlights the significance of non-pharmacological interventions such as promoting the use of mask, infection control and hand hygiene to prevent the direct transmission of SARS-CoV-2.

Source Credit: https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/covishield-found-ineffective-against-omicron-booster-a-must-study-122042400464_1.html