NEW DELHI: Amid concerns about breakthrough infections even after receiving vaccines, the government said the data is being closely monitored even though the number of such infections after getting the jabs are very few so far.
“We want to assure you that a very close watch is being maintained systematically in this regard by the Indian Council of Medical Research where this information related to testing comes,” NITI Aayog member-health Dr VK Paul said.
Pointing out that during testing, people are being asked whether they have taken vaccine or not, Dr Paul said this data will help assess the situation and provide insights on breakthrough infections.
In April, ICMR Director General Balram Bhargava had said that only two to four per 10,000 breakthrough infections have occurred after vaccination against Covid-19. Only 0.04% people tested positive after second dose of
Covaxin and 0.03% after second dose of
Covishield.
Underlining the importance of vaccine, officials said even if there is a break-through infection, vaccines in most cases protects against severe disease and the recovery is faster.
However, since the situation is dynamic, it needs close monitoring and people must continue to wear masks and follow physical distancing, officials said
“In a dynamic situation, we should watch it very carefully…the vaccines are protective to an extent and the efficacy rates are to a certain level and therefore, in an overwhelming situation that risk remains and that is why it is important that we continue to take additional precautions as well to ensure we are protected,” Dr Paul said.