Presently, a Covid 19 booster dose drive is going on since 15 July for 75 days. It is being held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. There has been a four times surge in daily Covid booster vaccinations with atleast two lakh doses per day.
What is the Covid-19 Booster?
The Covid-19 booster is similar to a vaccine. It reinforces the protection stimulated by the previous vaccine doses. Like many other vaccines, the level of protection may begin to reduce over time. The coronavirus vaccine booster helps to extend the protection. In India, booster doses were first rolled out on 10 January 2022.
Why is the Booster Needed?
The Omicron variant can infect people despite them receiving the vaccines and booster doses. Also, It can attack those who have previously been infected by the virus. However, the effect of infection is drastically reduced by receiving the immunity increasing vaccines and booster. Countries all over the world have been providing the booster dose to their citizens as a precaution to the infectious new COVID-19 strains.
How Does the Booster Work?
A booster works on the same principles as the Covid-19 vaccines. Antibodies are created when the COVID-19 vaccines are introduced into the body. However, after a period of time, the antibody count reduces drastically. Hence, to increase the count and strengthen the immune response, a booster vaccine is administered.
Guidelines for Booster Shots
You should be falling under the age group of 18-59 years. You should have received two doses of vaccination before getting the booster shot. Also, there should be a 9-month second dose of vaccination and the booster dose. You should maintain consistency with the booster dose. If you previously received Covaxin vaccines, then you can get only a Covaxin booster dose. Walk in with a valid identification document such as your Passport, Aadhaar Card or Driving Licence for registration purposes. You will then receive the booster dose. Do continue to follow all the Government mandated Covid-19 protocols.
Are There Any Side Effects?
The side effects too are similar to the Covid-19 vaccines. You may experience fever, body pain, headache, etc. If they persist beyond a few days, do visit a doctor.
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
In a new study against the coronavirus, a booster dose of the vaccine has been described as very important. This study of ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) was published on 15 June. It has been said that the vaccine provides better immunity than antibodies to protect against coronavirus infection, so it is necessary to take a booster vaccine. In addition, this study investigated how long immunity from vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 works and when the body’s self-made immunity from antibodies starts decreasing. This information is essential to make an effective strategy to deal with corona.
At present India is providing booster doses of Covishield, Covaxin, Corbevax, Covovax and Sputnik V, just like their Covid-19 vaccines. Have you got your booster shot yet? Log in to the CoWIN portal and locate a vaccination centre that is accessible to you. Visit one with your family today!