Two-thirds of Indians have antibodies: Study

THE SURVEY COVERED 28,975 PARTICIPANTS, INCLUDING CHILDREN ABOVE THE AGE OF SIX, AND 7,252 HEALTH CARE WORKERS

NEW DELHI: Around two-thirds of the Indian population are likely to have antibodies against the coronavirus disease, a nationwide sero-prevalence study by the Indian Council of Medical Research has found, underscoring that around 400 million people in the country may still be vulnerable to Covid-19.

The study found that about 67.6% of the people – which includes those inoculated with at least one shot of the coronavirus vaccine and those who previously recovered from the infection – had antibodies against the viral illness, said ICMR director-general Dr Balram Bhargava at a Union health ministry briefing on Tuesday.

The fourth national sero survey — carried out 70 districts across 21 states in June and July this year – shows that sero-prevalence was 62.3% among participants who were unvaccinated, 81% among those who received one dose and 89.8% among those fully inoculated against the disease, Bhargava said in New Delhi.

The survey covered 28,975 participants from the general population, including children above the age of six, and 7,252 health care workers.

Officials said the results reflect that there is no room for complacency in the fight against the pandemic.

“The implications of the fourth serosurvey clearly show there is a ray of hope, but there is no room for complacency. We must maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour...” said Bhargava.

“More importantly, a third of the population did not have antibodies, that is, 40 crore of the population of the country is still vulnerable,” he added.

Stressing on the need to observe Covid-19-appropriate behaviour, senior government officials said all gatherings should be avoided and non-essential travel should be discouraged.

“The second wave is still persisting. The danger of new out

breaks is very much there,” Vinod Kumar Paul, member of government think-tank Niti Aayog, told at the news conference.

“One out of three, wherever you are ... is still vulnerable and therefore the pandemic is no way over,” Paul said.

The statements come at a time daily new Covid-19 cases are at an over four month-low in the country, although some states such as Kerala have shown an increasing trend in the last few weeks. Experts have also raised concerns that the withdrawal of lockdown restrictions has prompted crowds to throng tourist destinations in hill stations and markets across cities.

The fourth national survey, which tests for antibodies, also included 8,691 children aged 6-17 years for the first time. Half of them were seropositive.

The ICMR chief also suggested that it may be wise to consider re-opening primary schools first as younger children can beat the infection with relative ease.

“...So, once India starts considering opening schools, it will be wise to begin with the primary schools. Also, we have to ensure that all support staff members, be it school bus drivers or teachers, are vaccinated,” Bhargava said.

So, once India starts considering opening schools, it will be wise to begin with the primary schools DR BALRAM BHARGAVA, ICMR, Director general