Covid-19 Vaccine

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on October 12, stated that over 11,81,766 COVID tests were conducted in the last 24 hours. Reportedly, over 58,50,38,043 tests have been conducted so far. The Health Ministry stated that in the last 24 hours, 18,166 new COVID cases were recorded, which is the lowest in over seven months. Notably, India has administered over 95.80 crore vaccine doses in total. 

After donating 30 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine to Asian nations, Japan pledges to donate 60 million doses on September 23. Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga also confirmed the decision to double the vaccine's donation at a global summit held in the US. Vietnam, Taiwan, and Indonesia are among the beneficiary nation. So far, nearly 55 percent of Japan's population is fully vaccinated, equating to the US vaccine number. 

Goa CM Pramod Sawant on September 9 announced that the state has administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine to those who are 18 years old. Sharing the achievement on Twitter, CM Sawant said, ''We are targeting to complete the second dose of vaccination by October 31.'' However, Goa has become the second state after Himachal Pradesh to inoculate the first dose of the vaccine to adults.

During a press briefing, NITI Aayog's Member Dr. V.K Paul on September 2 said that every pregnant woman should receive both the doses of COVID-19 vaccine to avoid the adverse effects of infection. Given the upcoming festive season, Paul said, ''Celebrate festivals at home and avoid going outside. Mask is must for all even after both doses.''  Reportedly, 54% of adults have received the first dose of the vaccine.

Dr. Randeep Guleria, Director of AIIMS in Delhi notified that India does not have enough data to state whether booster jabs are necessary for its citizens against Covid-19. He further said, “Information is still emerging... it will take some more months.” Reportedly, the booster shot helps to increase the antibodies.  However, the WHO didn't recommend the booster jabs and also termed it a ''mockery'' of rich countries.