Booster Shots Crucial For High-Risk People, Waning Immunity Fuels COVID-19 Surge: AIIMS Professor

News18

23-05-2025

Last Updated:
India's resilience against Covid-19 depends on several factors - widespread prior exposure to the virus, extensive vaccination coverage, and ongoing public health monitoring.
Booster doses may not be urgently needed for the general population, but they are crucial for the elderly and medically vulnerable, as waning immunity emerges as a key driver behind the latest global COVID-19 surge, Dr Piyush Ranjan, professor at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), told News18.
As several parts of Asia grapple with a fresh surge of COVID-19 cases, India stands relatively unshaken. Countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and China have witnessed a sharp rise in infections driven by the highly transmissible Omicron subvariants LF.7 and NB.1.8.
'Despite the latest virus's enhanced ability to spread, India's COVID-19 situation remains stable, with only a mild uptick in cases reported as of mid-May," said Ranjan, a professor, Department of Medicine, AIIMS New Delhi.
Ranjan – who has published various studies in peer reviewed journals to assess the impact of Covid-19 – believes that booster doses, particularly those targeting Omicron-related variants remain effective in reducing severe disease, hospitalisation, and death, though they are less effective against mild or asymptomatic infections.
'Given the mild nature of current cases and the absence of a significant surge in India, booster doses for the general population are not urgently necessary but should be encouraged for those who have not received a booster in over a year, as waning immunity is a key driver of current surges," Ranjan said. 'Updated monovalent vaccines targeting JN.1 or closely related strains are expected to offer protection against severe disease caused by LF.7 and NB.1.8," he added.
According to Ranjan's analysis, in Singapore, ICU admissions have slightly declined, which is an encouraging sign that while more people are falling ill, most are not experiencing severe disease. 'The common denominator in these regions is the rapid spread of LF.7 and NB.1.8, subvariants descended from JN.1, which in turn emerged from the BA.2.86 lineage of Omicron," he said.
These subvariants, he said, carry mutations that allow them to evade immunity more effectively, leading to increased transmission – even among those previously infected or vaccinated. 'However, while their spread is swift, the symptoms remain largely mild: sore throat, low-grade fever, fatigue, and occasionally nausea or diarrhoea," Ranjan said.
India's numbers tell a calmer story, he said, based on the May 19 data, which recorded just 257 active COVID-19 cases nationwide, primarily concentrated in Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. Unlike the sharp spikes observed abroad, India's increase has been described as 'under control." 'Most patients have reported only mild symptoms and have recovered at home without the need for hospitalisation or advanced medical care."
Ranjan attributes India's resilience to several factors, saying, 'Widespread prior exposure to the virus, extensive vaccination coverage, and ongoing public health monitoring are the main reasons. However, there is a caution against complacency, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with underlying health conditions."
Globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has categorised LF.7 and NB.1.8 as Variants Under Monitoring, not Variants of Concern, underscoring that while these subvariants warrant attention, they do not currently pose a significant global health threat.
Be cautious, not fearful
To avoid unnecessary alarm while maintaining readiness, he believes in educating the public about mild symptoms instead of imposing 'blanket restrictions that could spark panic." 'Focus on educating the public about mild symptoms, the effectiveness of vaccines, and the importance of protecting vulnerable groups. Use trusted channels to counter misinformation," he said.
'Encourage voluntary measures like mask-wearing in crowded indoor settings, hand hygiene, and respiratory etiquette, particularly during travel or large gatherings," he said while adding that the government 'must avoid mandatory restrictions unless severe cases rise significantly," he added.
As the virus continues to evolve, he believes, the government must ensure that hospitals are prepared for potential localised increases in admissions, particularly in states like Kerala and Maharashtra, without overhyping the risk.
'India's current low case load suggests existing capacity is sufficient. These measures align with the current mild nature of the surge and the effectiveness of existing vaccines, focusing on protecting the vulnerable while maintaining normalcy," Ranjan said.
'The public is urged to remain cautious but not fearful," he said while adding that 'India's robust surveillance and vaccination infrastructure provide a strong foundation to manage this wave without alarmist responses."
tags :
coronavirus covid vaccine covid-19
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
May 23, 2025, 10:37 IST
News india Booster Shots Crucial For High-Risk People, Waning Immunity Fuels COVID-19 Surge: AIIMS Professor