Do you need vaccine boosters again? Doctors weigh in amid rising Covid cases

India Today

27-05-2025

With a rise in Covid-19 cases in India and active infections recorded at 1,010 as of May 26, doctors are urging people not to panic but to remain alert and adopt simple preventive measures.The surge is being primarily reported from states like Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi, though the numbers remain far lower than during previous waves.Kerala has recorded 335 new infections in the past week, pushing its active caseload to 430, the highest in the country. Maharashtra follows with 210 active cases and Delhi with 104, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.advertisement
Doctors on the ground say most cases are mild, with very few requiring hospitalisation. However, they recommend basic Covid-appropriate behaviour, especially for those experiencing symptoms or belonging to high-risk groups."We are seeing Covid patients in OPD (out-patient department) but none of them are serious as of now. It's just like a mild viral infection,' said Dr Vikas Mittal, pulmonologist at CK Birla Hospital, Delhi."People should stay updated, avoid panic, and follow basic hygiene. If you have symptoms like cough, sore throat, or flu, stay at home and consider getting tested," Dr. Mittal added.The expert advised precautionary practices such as wearing masks in crowded places, hand hygiene, especially for symptomatic individuals remain crucial in limiting the spread.
Doctors on the ground say most cases are mild, with very few requiring hospitalisation. (Photo: PTI)
advertisementWhile the current wave is not marked by severe disease or hospital overload, concern has risen due to the detection of new variants. According to the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), a central Covid-19 monitoring agency, two new sub-variants -- NB.1.8.1 and LF.7 -- have been detected.These variants have also been detected in Covid-19 cases reported from countries like China and Singapore, and more recently, in the United States.Originating from the JN.1 lineage, these variants are more transmissible but are currently associated with only mild infections.In a recent update by the World Health Organisation, these variants are classified as Variants Under Monitoring, meaning they are being closely observed but haven't shown traits of greater severity or vaccine resistance yet.
Originating from the JN.1 lineage, these variants are more transmissible but are currently associated with only mild infections. ()
Despite this, experts are advising high-risk individuals such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses to consider booster vaccinations if their last dose was over six months ago.advertisement"Booster doses enhance waning immunity and are crucial for vulnerable populations. Most cases are mild and manageable at home, but we must remain vigilant to prevent burdening the healthcare system,' said Dr. Manisha Mendiratta, head pulmonologist at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad.She also noted a parallel rise in seasonal illnesses like flu and dengue, which in many clinics are outnumbering Covid-19 cases. However, the high transmissibility of new Covid variants still poses a risk to vulnerable groups.Dr. Chirag Tandon, director, department of internal medicine, Sharda Care Healthcity, warned that the new variants might bypass existing immunity from prior infections or vaccinations."The current variant spreads fast, stays longer, and may evade some vaccine-induced immunity, but the symptoms are mostly mild. Booster shots can help reduce the chances of severe illness,' said Dr Tandon.
Booster doses enhance waning immunity and are crucial for vulnerable populations. (Photo: Reuters)
Patients at his facility are presenting with symptoms like sore throat, mild fever, abdominal discomfort, and headaches that don't always align with classic Covid symptoms. However, he stressed that this is not a cause for alarm, as the cases are generally stable and managed in OPD settings.advertisementDr. Mittal said that although there are no advisories on precautionary booster dose, one should immediately visit a doctor when a person experiences breathing problems."Don't panic. Patients who have serious illness should also contact their doctor if they have symptoms like sore throat and upper respiratory infection. They should also not go out of the house. Besides this, practice basic hand hygiene. If you have touched any surface anywhere, then avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes and keep sanitising your hands," he added.Must Watch