Scientists reversed the statement about giving booster doses in India

More research is needed to understand the effect of booster doses

INACOG had earlier recommended booster doses for people over 40 years of age in India

New Delhi: Amid the threat of Omicron variants and growing demand for booster doses of vaccines, the country's genome sequencing body has backtracked on its statement in which it recommended booster for people over 40 years of age. Now a new bulletin states that more scientific research is needed to determine the effect of booster doses.

The SAARC-Cove-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) in India stated that the mention of booster doses was merely a discussion of the possible role of additional doses of vaccine in high-risk populations and was not linked to the vaccination campaign for India, according to a new Healthruth Bulletin.

Earlier on November 29, INSACOG said in its Healthruth Bulletin that booster doses could be considered for people over 40 years of age.

It further said that the decision-making power on vaccines has been given to the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTGAI) and the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC).

The health ministry also said the decision to vaccinate children and give booster doses to adults would be taken on a scientific basis. NTGAI is likely to convene a meeting next week on booster doses.