VACCINES REDUCE HOSPITALISATION, DEATH RISK DUE TO COVID: STUDY

NEW DELHI: Fewer hopsitalisations (9.8%) and deaths (0.4%) were reported in people who experienced breakthrough Covid-19 infections, mostly caused by the Alpha variant in north India and the Delta variant elsewhere, after two doses of vaccine, highlighting the fact that vaccination does reduce hospital admission and mortality, according to a pre-print study.

The nationwide study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) during the peak of the second wave between April and June, is likely the largest and first nation-wide study of post-vaccination breakthrough infections from India with 677 clinical samples. The subjects had received either Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin or Serum Institute of India’s version of the Oxford-astrazeneca vaccine, Covishield.

“During March to June 2021, India experienced a deadly second wave...with an increased number of post-vaccination breakthrough infections reported... To understand the possible reason of these breakthroughs, we collected 677 clinical samples (throat swab/ nasal swabs) of individuals who had received two doses (n=592) and one dose (n=85) of vaccines (Covishield and Covaxin,) and tested positive for Covid-19, from 17 states/union Territories of country,” said the paper. The subjects were telephonically interviewed and clinical data was analysed. Out of 677 cases, 593 contracted Covid after both doses, and 84, after one dose.

“This study indicated that majority of the clinical cases in the breakthrough were infected with the Delta variant and only 9.8% cases required hospitalisation while fatality was observed in only 0.4% cases. This clearly suggests that the vaccination does provide reduction in hospital admission and mortality,” finds the study.