After causing widespread disruption around the world between 2019 and 2022, COVID-19 is now gradually making a comeback in parts of Asia. In recent weeks, countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have reported the highest number of new cases. In India, two COVID-related deaths were reported in Mumbai last week, though both individuals also had other existing health conditions. According to the government, the disease remains endemic for now, meaning it is present but not causing a major health crisis. However, a new variant has emerged, raising questions about how it differs from previous strains and whether it could pose a greater risk. Is it possible for another round of vaccine? Here is an analysis..
Cases In India
Nine states in India have reported a slight increase in COVID-19 cases, with the highest number coming from Kerala (273 cases), followed by Maharashtra (45) and Gujarat (34). However, experts have stressed that the overall number of cases in the country remains low and there are no signs of any serious trends or dangerous new variants at this time. The most common variant currently circulating in India is JN.1, which accounts for 53% of the samples tested. This is followed by the BA.2 variant (26%) and other Omicron-related variants (20%). According to data from INSACOG, only one case of the newly emerging NB.1.8.1 variant and four cases of the LF.7 variant have been detected so far.
Do We Need Another Round Of Vaccines?
Experts say that the current rise in COVID-19 cases is happening because people’s protection from earlier vaccines is wearing off. At the same time, new variants like JN.1 and NB.1.8 are spreading. Another reason for the surge is that many people haven’t taken a booster dose in over a year, so their immunity is weaker now. The older COVID-19 vaccines won’t work well now because they were made for the original version of the virus. They used weakened or inactive forms of the virus.
According to experts, mRNA vaccines like Gemcovac-19 are needed. These vaccines use lab-made mRNA to help the body make a part of the virus (like a protein), which helps the immune system learn how to fight it. India has a special vaccine called GEMCOVAC-19, made by Gennova Biopharmaceuticals, that is designed to protect against the Omicron variant. If COVID-19 cases rise sharply, this vaccine can be produced in larger amounts. Experts also add that it’s possible to increase production, but so far, there are no official plans to do so.
JN.1 Variant
The JN.1 variant and its subvariants (LF.7, NB.1.8) are highly transmissible and show some immune evasion, prompting calls for updated vaccines. The WHO has noted that monovalent Omicron XBB vaccines provide modestly enhanced protection, and vaccines targeting LP.8.1 could be considered for 2025 campaigns
Precautions And Recommendations
Doctors say there is no need to panic, but people should stay careful and follow simple safety steps to avoid getting sick.
They Advise:
- Wear a mask in crowded or indoor places, especially if you’re not feeling well
- Wash your hands often to keep them clean
- If you get COVID-19, stay away from others and wear a mask to avoid spreading it
