New Delhi: Renowned pulmonologist and former AIIMS (All India Institutes of Medical Sciences) director, Dr. Randeep Guleria, has stated that the current Omicron vaccine is effective in combating the JN.1 virus, a variant of the Corona virus. As the number of Corona variants continues to rise, the need for sufficient vaccinations to control the viruses becomes inevitable. Dr. Guleria emphasises that the existing Omicron vaccine is adequate to combat the JN.1 variant in the present scenario.
Dr. Guleria highlighted the need for a vaccine with broader coverage against various virus types, considering the multiple mutations observed. JN1, identified as a sub-lineage of Omicron, is effectively resisted by the existing Omicron vaccine. Dr. Guleria emphasised the importance of gathering more data to assess current population immunity and protection levels derived from previous vaccinations before deciding on the necessity of a new vaccine. He noted that the evolution of variants necessitates regular evaluation and updates in vaccination strategies.
“We need a vaccine which covers a broader type of the virus. We have had multiple mutations. Jn.1 is sub lineage of Omicron. So a vaccine which is made against Omicron will be effective against this variant also. We need more data first to show what is the current immunity in the population, and the protection that have based on the previous vaccination that we’ve got, based on that, only can we decide that do we need a new vaccine, which covers the current circulating strain, and that is something that has to be done regularly because variants will keep changing.” says Dr. Guleria in “X.”
Head of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG), Dr. NK Arora, echoed Dr. Guleria’s statements in a press conference, clarifying that the JN.1 subtype of the Corona virus does not require vaccinations with special doses. Dr. Arora cautioned against taking high doses of drugs during the onset of the disease, emphasising that it could impact the immune system. He advised people to proceed with precautions.
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