The proportion of COVID-related deaths in active cases during the ongoing wave is significantly lower, thanks to the large-scale vaccination coverage, compared to the second wave, said the Center, highlighting the role of vaccines in protecting against severe disease and deaths due to COVID-19.

Officials stated that an average of 380 deaths (7-day moving average) were reported on January 20 when the total number of active cases was 19.2 lakh with 72% adults fully vaccinated. In comparison, an average of 3,059 deaths were recorded on April 30 when active cases were 31.7 lakh with only 2% of the adults fully vaccinated.

Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr Balram Bhargava, said that the current surge in the country is not showing a rise in severe disease and deaths following the large-scale vaccination coverage… (ET Healthworld – TNN, January 21, 2022)