The more recent Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5 have been detected in Tamil Nadu, Telangana and Maharashtra. The central officials have said these subvariants caused mild Covid and are unlikely to cause waves or burden hospitals.

On Sunday, Dr N K Arora, the leader of the Covid-19 working group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), noted that infections can arise after the first two doses or even after the prophylactic shot with newer Omicron sub-lineages. Patients infected with these subvariants complained of cold and cough symptoms and didnt require hospitalization, he said.

Dr Arora further said that according to studies, vaccination reduces the incidence of long-term Covid by about 30-40%. The risk of new variations and sublineages exists, and full immunization will keep the infection mild, reduce the likelihood of hospitalization, and reduce the burden on the health system.