There is no scientific evidence to justify the need for a booster vaccine dose against COVID-19, according to ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava, who also stated that the government's current focus is to complete the second dose for India's adult population. The booster dose issue is expected to be considered at the next meeting of India's National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization, according to sources (NTAGI). Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently stated that sufficient stocks are available and that the goal is to complete the immunisation of the target population with two doses. After that, he continued, a decision on a booster dose will be made based on professional advice.

Key Points

• There is no scientific evidence to justify the need for a booster vaccine dose against COVID-19, according to ICMR Director General Dr Balram Bhargava.

• Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently stated that sufficient stocks are available and that the goal is to complete the immunisation of the target population with two doses.