New Delhi: Amid growing debate worldwide over compulsory booster doses, National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) chief Dr. NK Arora clarified that ‘precautionary doses’ are different from booster shots. He also asserted that the role of an additional shot of COVID vaccine is yet to be ascertained as countries like Israel, Germany, and others are seen opting for as high as four doses. However, a precautionary dose is given only to vulnerable sections as an additional dose because of the high risk of severe illness or high chances of re-infection”, he said while speaking exclusively to CNN-News 18. Meanwhile, a UK study has revealed that the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine can provide up to 88 per cent protection against hospitalisation from infection by the Omicron variant of coronavirus. The findings compiled in a report by the UK Health Security Agency (UKSHA) show significantly higher protection provided by the third vaccine dose against the highly mutated variant first identified in Botswana and South Africa in November, compared to two doses.

Source: CNN January 03, 2022 12:48 UTC