Omicron in India
Among the early cases of Omicron in India, we have seen fully vaccinated people with no travel history testing positive for the new ‘variant of concern’. This variant is said to be highly transmissible and has created havoc in the UK. As of today, we have 87 confirmed cases of Omicron in India.
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Prevalence of breakthrough cases
With vaccination drives ramped up in India, we safely believe that we will stay protected against the respiratory virus but US-based pulmonologist Dr. Vin Gupta tells us, “We have to get comfortable with fully vaccinated people testing positive. That's going to be our new normal. We are anticipating many more breakthrough cases in the 3-4 months ahead. People need to understand that the purpose of COVID vaccination is not to prevent a positive test but to prevent hospitalisation from the respiratory virus.”
It needs to be noted that in the absence of strict COVID restrictions, it is inevitable that a portion of the fully vaccinated population will become infected. So the onus to control the spread is on us right now!
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Omicron in people with no travel history
While officials are following all COVID protocols to limit the spread of the virus, with regular screenings and amped up tests, we are still seeing newer cases everyday. What worries us more is the fact that people without any travel history are getting infected, which could be an indicator that it’s now spreading via community.
Scientists also feel that with most of the population vaccinated, these infection outbreaks might lead to herd immunity where those infected will cease the spread of the virus among those who haven't encountered the virus. However, this remains a topic that needs to be studied further.
Do antibodies tell the entire story?
Many fully vaccinated people right now are panicking in the absence of a booster dose in India, especially the ones who are immunocompromised and even those who got jabbed in the first cycle of vaccination. There are also people whose blood samples show waning antibody response and are waiting for news of a booster dose.
But doctors want them to know that unlike other viruses, respiratory viruses are different. “We have to understand that our immune system is more than antibodies, there are also T-cells that remember how to fight a virus. Vaccines are only supposed to keep people out of the hospitals.”
Will we need COVID vaccine annually?
While many countries have started their booster doses, there are also talks internationally about getting an annual shot. We are still awaiting final confirmation on that. So in the absence of a booster dose in India, it is important that all of us follow COVID protocols and do not go out in crowded places. Wear your mask, wash your hands and stay safe!
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