Despite the fact that several nations are converting to bivalent COVID-19 vaccines that combat both the original COVID virus and the newer Omicron strain, India is not changing its immunization policy, according to sources. A senior official source revealed that India is doing well with the current strategy, so there is no need to change the vaccination program, which is already working well for the Indian population.

The United Kingdom was the first country to authorize a dual vaccine that targets both strains. Researchers have been hard at work producing a vaccination that targets both strains for use in booster doses.

According to an earlier report, the Hyderabad-based vaccine company had requested authorization from the pharma authority to begin clinical trials for its bivalent COVID-19 vaccine, which it claimed may give protection against Omicron and its sub-variants in addition to the original SARS-CoV-2 variant.

A virologist, Dr. Shahid Jameel of the University of Oxford, stated that there is little evidence that bivalent vaccinations function any better. He noted that it might be a little better in terms of infection prevention; however, current vaccinations also protect against major diseases and mortality quite effectively. The senior official added that even if the drug authority approves the new vaccinations, they are unlikely to be included in the immunization plan. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/india-may-not-change-its-covid-vaccination-plan-official/99680084 )