According to a study conducted by researchers from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), a booster dose of Covaxin is safe and necessary to ensure persistent immunity and minimize breakthrough infections of COVID-19. On Friday, the Minister of State for Health, Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, informed Parliament that the ICMR has conducted studies on the effectiveness and side effects of COVID-19 vaccines.

In her written response, she stated that a six-month analysis of the study titled "Immunological response to the prophylactic third dose of Covishield or Covaxin among healthy adult populations: an ICMR cohort study, India" revealed that both vaccinations elicited a strong immune response. Through the National Health Mission and Emergency COVID-19 Response and Preparedness Packages, funding support has been given to them for the strengthening of the health system to handle any exigency caused by a resurgence of cases in the nation.

She further added that the PM Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM), with an outlay of Rs 64,180 crore (from 2026 to 2026), has been launched with the long-term objective of better preparing our nation against public health emergencies. It aims to increase the capacity of primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities, systems, and institutes for identifying and managing any new and emerging diseases.

Additionally, for early identification and diagnosis of emerging or re-emerging viral infections, both serology and molecular diagnostic infrastructure have been strengthened across the country by establishing a network of virus research and diagnostic laboratories. 

(Source: https://www.news18.com/news/india/icmr-study-indicates-covaxin-booster-dose-safe-necessary-for-persistent-immunity-govt-in-ls-6991501.html )