Covid vaccination 'preventing' deaths in third wave, claim experts
New Delhi, January 20: India is witnessing the third wave of Covid-19, but as per experts, coronavirus mortality in this wave across the nation is significantly lower than the second one, probably due to high levels of vaccination uptake in the population.
As per an analysis carried out by the Union Health Ministry, hospitalisation due to Covid in New Delhi is comparatively low. The ongoing Covid-19 new variant Omicron-driven wave is not causing any steep rises in hospitalisations, which are nearly stable through the 20 days of January despite rising new and active cases.
Also read | Covid-19: Schools to reopen in this state as Omicron cases decline
[caption id="attachment_572677" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
The ongoing Covid-19 new variant Omicron-driven wave is not causing any steep rises in hospitalisations.[/caption]
A comparison of the second and third Covid-19 surge in India shows that on April 30, 2021, there were 3,86,452 new coronavirus cases, 3,059 deaths and 31,70,228 active cases. At that time, the proportion of fully vaccinated was 2 per cent. on January 20, 2022, there are 3,17,532 new cases, 380 deaths, 19,24,051 active cases and the proportion of fully vaccinated is 72 per cent.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) head Dr Balram Bhargava, in a health briefing, on Thursday said deaths had been considerably reduced due to Covid-19 vaccinations in this third surge of the coronavirus infection.
"Vaccines have remained beneficial in India. Deaths have considerably reduced due to coronavirus vaccinations. In this third surge of Covid-19, we are currently not witnessing severe illness and deaths due to high vaccination uptake," he added.
Member, Health, NITI Aayog VK Paul said mortality in India remained low due to high vaccinations — 94 per cent adults have received at least one dose and 72 per cent both doses.
[caption id="attachment_572676" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
At least 94 per cent adults have received at least one dose and 72 per cent both doses.[/caption]
The Central Government on Thursday said 72 per cent of India’s adult population was fully vaccinated against coronavirus. As per the latest update, around 52 per cent of children in the 15-18 years old age group have been inoculated with the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine.
Addressing a press conference here on Thursday, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said, “Till now, 52 per cent children in the 15-18 age group in the country have been vaccinated and a proportion of fully vaccinated people is 72 per cent.”
As per the latest update, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Delhi and Rajasthan are among the top 10 states in terms of active coronavirus cases. Following these observations of Covid-19 infection in these states, he said Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh are among the “states of concern”.
Also read | Health Ministry issues revised clinical guidance for Covid patients; read details
[caption id="attachment_572675" align="aligncenter" width="750"]
Till now, 52 per cent children in the 15-18 age group in the country have been vaccinated.[/caption]
-PTC News
