Vaccination has kept severe illness, deaths low in third wave: ICMR

NEW DELHI: The proportion of Covid deaths in active cases during the current surge is significantly lower, helped by large-scale vaccination coverage, than the previous second wave, the Centre said underlining the role of vaccines in protecting against severe illness and deaths due to Covid-19.

Comparing key indices during the second and third Covid-19 surge, officials said an average of 380 deaths (7-day moving average) were recorded on January 20 when the total active caseload stood at 19.2 lakh with 72% adults fully vaccinated, as compared to average of 3,059 deaths on April 30 when active cases stood at 31.7 lakh with merely 2% adults fully vaccinated.

“Vaccines have remained beneficial in India. Vaccine online tracker shows the benefit of its ability to reduce deaths considerably among vaccinated compared to unvaccinated,” Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) director general Balram Bhargava said. “Current surge in India is not witnessing an increase in severe illness and deaths following high vaccinations. Because of high vaccine uptake, we are not witnessing severe disease and death. However those with comorbidities should watch their health.”

A total of over 160.3 crore doses have been administered across the country till Thursday. While 94% adults have received at least the first dose of Covid vaccines, over 72% of those above 18 years age are now fully vaccinated.

Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said wider coverage of vaccination during the current surge has aided mild infection and despite having over 3 lakh daily cases, the active caseload as well deaths are lower at present, as compared to the second wave.

Niti Aayog member (Health) VK Paul emphasised the vaccine shield is very important along with social precautions to combat the pandemic. “In this relatively low phase of Covid pandemic, those with co-morbidities and elderly are most vulnerable,” Paul said urging those above 60 years age with co-morbidities to come forward for ‘precaution dose’.

“More healthcare and frontline workers should also come forward. Availability is not at all an issue here,” he said.