To Boost or Not to Boost? Decoding the Debate on COVID-19 Booster Shots

To boost or not to boost? The debate on COVID-19 booster shots has existed ever since inoculations have begun, with the scientific community racing to figure out how long the protection will last. However, the debate was supercharged recently with the emergence of the highly mutated Omicron variant, which according to UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, is causing a tidal wave of infections across the British isle. The concerns regarding the new variant were muted initially with early reports indicating that it causes only mild symptoms. However, with the report of the first death due to Omicron in the UK and its rapid spread across the country, representing over 44 percent of total cases in London, the need of booster doses has become increasing clear. Omicron has announced its presence in India as well, with the national tally climbing to 49 on 14 December. However, India is yet to take a decision on booster doses. But there are very critical questions on booster doses which are not yet answered: How effective are the current available vaccines towards Omicron? What are the reservations regarding booster doses? And if India does authorise booster doses, which vaccine is our best bet? Guests: Dr Rakesh Mishra, former director of the Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology. Dr Shahid Jameel, one of India's top virologist. Host and Producer: Himmat Shaligram Editor: Vaishali Sood Everything you need to know on Omicron and COVID vaccines here and here. Also listen to: Amid a Shortage, Where Do Indian Experts Stand on Mixing Vaccines Will Zydus Cadila’s COVID Jab for Kids Pave the Way for Reopening Schools? Omicron | Is it More Transmissible? Do We Need Boosters? Dr Shahid Jameel Decodes Music: Big Bang Fuzz Listen to The Big Story podcast on: Apple: https://apple.co/2AYdLIl Saavn: http://bit.ly/2oix78C Google Podcasts: http://bit.ly/2ntMV7S Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2IyLAUQ Deezer: http://bit.ly/2Vrf5Ng Castbox: http://bit.ly/2VqZ9ur Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices