1st dose of Covid vaccine 96.6% effective in preventing death, 2nd dose 97.5%: ICMR

Sept 10:  Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) DG Dr Balram Bhargava said on Thursday informed that one dose of Covid-19 vaccine is 96.6 percent effective in preventing death, while two doses prevent death by 97.5 percent. Dr Bhargava further said that this vaccine protective effect against death is there in all age groups, whether it be 60 and above, whether it be 45-59 and 18-44 years. He cited COVID-19 vaccination data between April and August.

Addressing a press conference, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said 35 districts are still reporting a weekly COVID-19 positivity rate of over 10 percent while in 30 districts it is between five to 10 percent. The health officials said India is still going through the second wave of coronavirus infections and it is not over yet.

“In our fight against the pandemic…vaccine…is the most significant shield that is protecting us from death,” VK Paul, Niti Aayog member for health, said. Dr VK Paul said 18 percent of the adult population have been administered both doses of the jab, while 58 percent have received the first dose, reported.  About resuming physical classes in schools, Dr VK Paul said no scientific body or evidence suggests that vaccination of children should be a condition for reopening schools.