Explained: Why India administers ‘precaution dose’ of COVID-19 vaccine, and not ‘booster dose’
The Hindu
As India gears up to administer ‘precaution doses’ of COVID-19 vaccine to eligible population above 18 years from Sunday, the debate over ‘booster’ vs ‘precaution’ doses has arisen.
On December 25, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that healthcare, frontline workers and those who are above 60 years and have comorbidities will be eligible for a ‘precaution dose’ from January 21. The use of ‘precaution’ doses had arisen as the question is to why Centre had not termed it ‘booster’ doses as is the global norm.
Technically, the ‘precaution dose’ is effectively a ‘booster dose’, differing only in nomenclature. As late as December 12, 2021, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) maintained that the “need for a booster or additional COVID-19 vaccine dose” was being examined.
“There is currently no strong evidence that those who have been vaccinated will not get the virus. Also many have been vaccinated and have got the infection later. The protection that this combination [getting infected and getting vaccinated] offers is also a matter of study.”Dr. Samiran PandaHead, Epidemiology and Communicable Diseases, ICMR
Dr. Samiran Panda of ICMR added that there was no immediate recommendation to introduce booster or additional dose. He said from a public health point of view also more coverage is what India is looking at.
Twenty-three days later, PM Narendra Modi announced the launch of 'precautionary' doses for frontline workers and eligible population over 60 years.
The main difference between 'precautionary' and 'booster' doses is that mixing of vaccines is not allowed in India's 'precaution' doses.
After Mr. Modi's announcement of 'precaution' doses, Dr V.K. Paul, Member-Health, NITI Aayog said that the 'precaution dose' of COVID-19 vaccine will be of the same vaccine which was administered previously. That is, beneficiaries who have gotten two Covishield doses, will be given a 'precaution dose' of Covishield only.
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