More than 90 per cent of 183 Omicron cases fully vaccinated: Govt analysis
The Union Health Ministry has recorded 358 cases of COVID19’s Omicron variant so far. Of these, the ministry analysed the data for 183 cases and it was found that 91 per cent of the infected persons were fully vaccinated against COVID19. More details here.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan.
In an analysis undertaken by the Union Health Ministry it has been found that out of the 183 cases of Omicron variant that it analysed, 91 per cent of the infections were found in people who had received both the doses of COVID19 vaccines. Overall, India has detected 358 cases of Omicron so far.
“Vaccination status is significant data. Of 183 cases that were analysed, 87 were fully vaccinated. Of these, three had received three three doses — two of them were from Delhi and one from Mumbai. Seven were unvaccinated and two were partially vaccinated, meaning they had received one dose,” Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan informed the press during a media briefing held today on December 24.
As per the government analysis, of the 183 cases that were analysed, 121 reported foreign travel history and 70 per cent were asymptomatic. Also, 61 per cent of the infected persons were males while 39 per cent were females.
Meanwhile, it was also informed that 89 per cent of the adult population has received the first dose of COVID19 and 61 per cent of the eligible population is fully vaccinated.
Eleven states and Union Territories have recorded vaccination rates below the above mentioned coverage. These include Odisha, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Bihar, Puducherry, Uttar Pradesh, Meghalaya, Jharkhand, Manipur, and Punjab.
Also Read: Omicron outbreak unprecedented, vaccines alone won’t help in controlling it: WHO
It is to be noted that the central government aims at fully vaccinating its eligible population by December-end.
While answering a question about the approaching deadline in vaccinating the eligible population, the Union Health Secretary said that the government’s achievements on the vaccination campaign should be appreciated.
“To vaccinate eighty nine per cent of the population with the first dose and sixty one per cent with the second dose of such a large populated country is not a small achievement. We should appreciate this and the condition where door to door vaccination was conducted for people living in mountains, beaches, deserts, and workers in fields. We should also not forget that this entire campaign is voluntary and not of mandatory vaccination,” said Bhushan.
Meanwhile, the health ministry has advised to remain vigilant with the rising Omicron cases and ensure COVID19 appropriate behaviour. The official also informed that the private health sector has been asked to be ready as it has to play an important role in managing the COVID19 pandemic.
Also Read: COVID19’s Omicron variant infects 70 times faster than the Delta: Study
“The world is witnessing the fourth surge and the overall positivity is 6.1 per cent. Therefore, we have to be on guard and we can’t lower our guard,” said Bhushan.
Recently on December 7, the World Health Organisation said that the Omicronvariant has a significant growth advantage over Delta. In other words, it has greater transmissibility as Omicron cases double within 1.5-3 days.
In the wake of the rising Omicron cases in the country, several cities have imposed restrictions to curb the spread of the fast spreading variant of COVID19 ahead of the Christmas and New Year celebrations.