With Omicron cases increasing in India, the president of Indian Medical Associated (IMA), Dr JA Jayalal on Monday stated that the Covid vaccine booster dose is vital for all healthcare staff and frontline workers, in order to "enhance their immunity".
"It's important that all healthcare workers and frontline workers be given vaccine booster doses to enhance their immunity,” Dr Jayalal was quoted saying.
Observing countries need for more health professionals if a serious outbreak occurs, Dr Jayalal said "we are lacking in the area of manpower as NEET-PG counselling getting delayed.”
The expert also advised Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene and start the process as soon as possible.
The Centre recently informed the Lok Sabha that the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI) and the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC)
were deliberating and considering scientific evidence related to the booster COVID vaccine doses and that a decision would be made based on their recommendations.
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Meanwhile, the number of Omicron cases rose up to 21 in India over the weekend, prompting officials to urge people to get vaccinated.
Rajasthan had the most Omicron cases with nine, followed by Maharashtra with eight, Karnataka with two, and Gujarat and New Delhi with one each.
On Twitter, Delhi's health minister, Satyendar Jain, said, "The people of Delhi must get fully vaccinated, wear a mask, and maintain social distance."
The city's first Omicron patient, he said, was being treated at a state-run facility. He said that 94 percent of the adults had got at least one dose. According to Health Minister Satyendar
Jain, the number of patients suspected of being infected with the Omicron Covid strain in Delhi has climbed to 27, with 17 of them testing positive for the virus.
On the other hand, India reported 8,306 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours.