COVID-19: Chances of hospitalization reduce by 75-80% after vaccination, says Dr VK Paul

The second COVID-19 wave is receding in India. With 62,480 new coronavirus infections being reported in a day, India's total tally of COVID-19 cases rose to 2,97,62,793, while the death toll climbed to 3,83,490 with 1,587 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 61 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The active cases have fallen below 8 lakh after 73 days and the national COVID-19 recovery rate has crossed 96 per cent. The active cases have declined to 7,98,656 comprising 2.68 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 96.03 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Meanwhile, Dr. VK Paul, Member (Health), Niti Aayog on Friday said studies show that the chances of hospitalization reduce by 75-80% after vaccination. "Studies show that chances of hospitalization are 75-80% less in vaccinated individuals. The possibility of such individuals needing oxygen support is around 8% and the risk of ICU admission is only 6% in vaccinated persons," he said.

"WHO-AIIMS survey shows seropositivity in persons below and above 18 years of age is almost equal. In persons above 18, the seropositivity rate is 67% & 59% in persons below 18. In urban areas, it is 78% in persons below 18 & 79% in above 18," said Dr. VK Paul.

"In rural areas, the seropositivity rate is 56% in persons below 18 years of age & 63% in persons above 18. The information show that the children were infected but it was very mild. Only isolated cases of infection may occur in children (during 3rd wave of COVID)," he added.