The Central government has launched a study to evaluate the need for booster shots against COVID-19 in the country. 

The multicenter study, led by the Department of Biotechnology’s Translational Health Science and Technology Institute (THSTI), will include over 3,000 participants who had received their second COVID-19 vaccine dose six months ago. It will include four cohorts, including individuals aged above 40 years, those aged below 40 years, those infected with COVID-19 before getting vaccinated, and those with comorbid conditions.

The investigators will determine the T and B cell response and antibodies, and the level of protection after six months of administration of the second dose. A senior official said that this will improve their understanding on the need for booster doses in the country. The official added that blood samples have been obtained to evaluate the cell-mediated immunity… (News18, December 24, 2021)