New Delhi: Indian Council of Medical Research’s Director-General Balram Bhargava said on Tuesday that, “Herd immunity was found in 70 percent of the total population on the fourth end of the survey in the country. More importantly, one-third of the population did not have antibodies, that is, the country’s 400 million population is still vulnerable.
Siri survey conducted in 70 districts
“The fourth round of the national serosurvey was conducted in June-July in 70 districts and included children in the age group of 6-17 years,” Bhargava said. He said, “The overall seroprevalence in the entire population is 67.6%. Among those aged 6-9 years, it was 57.2%; In 10-17 years, it was 61.6%; In 18-44 years, it was 66.7%; In 45-60 years it was 77.6%.”
89.8 percent antibodies after the second dose
There was no difference in seroprevalence in male and female and in rural and urban areas. In non-vaccinated, seroprevalence was 62.3% and with a single dose of vaccine, it was 81%. It was 89.8% among those taking both doses.”
Danger of corona
The ICMR chief said, “We studied 7252 healthcare workers and 10% had not received the vaccine, with an overall seroprevalence of 85.2%. In conclusion, 2/3 of the general population i.e. people above 6 years of age had SARS-CoV-2 infection. “More importantly, one-third of the population did not have antibodies, that is, the country’s 400 million population is still vulnerable,” he said.
It is necessary to follow the rules to prevent corona
ICMR DG said, “The implications of the fourth serosurvey clearly show that there is a ray of hope but there is no room for complacency. We must maintain COVID-appropriate behavior and community engagement. National level serosurvey is not a substitute for state/district level serosurvey.”
