A booster shot of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine should offer protection against the rapidly spreading Omicron variant, said the company on Monday.
It has been seen in the Moderna lab tests that half dose booster shot raised by 37 times the level of so-called deactivating antibodies able to fight omicron.
And a full-dose booster was even stronger, triggering an 83-fold rise in antibody levels, although with an increase in the usual side effects, stated the company. While half-dose shots are being used for most Moderna boosters, a full-dose third shot has been suggested for people with weakened immune systems.
The authorized 50 µg booster of mRNA-1273 increased neutralizing antibody levels against Omicron ~37-fold compared to pre-boost levels & a 100 µg dose of mRNA-1273 increased neutralizing antibody levels ~83-fold compared to pre-boost levels. Read more: https://t.co/4WiCSwJn6B pic.twitter.com/5big1gH6cN
— Moderna (@moderna_tx) December 20, 2021
While India has reported at least 200 cases of the new Omicron variant so far, the health ministry informed on Tuesday. States like Maharashtra and Delhi have the highest number of Omicron cases, at 54 each followed by Telangana and Karnataka.
With the administration of 64,56,911 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s COVID-19 vaccination coverage has exceeded 138.35 Cr (1,38,34,78,181) as per provisional reports till 7 am today. This has been achieved through 1,46,27,925 sessions.
The testing capacity across the country continues to be expanded. The last 24 hours saw a total of 10,14,079 tests being conducted. India has so far conducted over 66.61 Cr (66,61,62,659) cumulative tests.
While testing capacity has been enhanced across the country, Weekly Positivity Rate at 0.59% remains less than 1% for the last 37 days now. The Daily Positivity rate reported to be0.53%. The daily Positivity rate has remained below2% for last 78 days and below 3% for 113 consecutive days now.
India’s Active Caseload presently at 79,097 is lowest in 574 days. Active cases constitute 0.23% of the country’s total Positive Cases, which is lowest since March 2020.