New Delhi: “We have to wait and see, as immunity variations between vaccines are known to exist. In theory, we expect immunity to last for at least a year. However, my worry is whether we will need a booster dose around a year after the second dose. Then the immunity can last for up to 10 years,” said eminent virologist Dr T Jacob John.
Speaking to DT Next, Dr John said the immunity would increase for those with good antibody levels and those with high T cell immunity.
Asked whether any adverse reaction could occur after the one hour waiting period since the vaccine is administered as mooted by the government, Dr John said serious reactions, if any, would usually occur within 20 minutes. “Hence, the one-hour time is more than enough to watch for any reaction. Any reaction after this period will not be serious,” he said.
Meanwhile, district health officials in Vellore have readied a list of around 20,000 frontline workers who would be given the vaccine first. “We have readied online entry to register and issue vaccine certificates for those vaccinated,” said a senior health official said.
The first phase of training for about 500 personnel was completed a couple of days ago and there are plans to hold a day-long training session after the dry run is completed, officials said.
