mRNA vaccines best boosters against Covid, Govt must get them to India: Top virologist

Top virologist Dr. Gagandeep Kang has stated that mRNA vaccines have proved to be the best booster shots against Covid-19 according to data and urged the Indian government to get mRNA vaccines to the country as soon as possible. Top mRNA vaccines available across countries are Pfizer-BioNtech and Moderna.

Dr Kang pointed out that India could also wait for its own mRNA platform-based vaccine by Pune-based Gennova Biopharmaceuticals Ltd.

“Either the Indian government should figure out how to bring these mRNA boosters in India or we can wait for the launch of Gennova’s mRNA vaccine. This vaccine may also work for us,” she said.

Explaining the need for booster vaccines, Dr. Kang said that the available Covid-19 vaccines were the 'fastest option' to fight against the pandemic. She added that booster shots are not required for everyone, but only for the vulnerable population.

However, the question that remains is which booster shot should be administered, she said.

Data from a study shows that Covishield booster after Covishield vaccination gives a better immune response. There is no data available for Covaxin yet. However, as per global data collected till date confirms that mRNA vaccines work as the best boosters, Dr Kang added.

Messenger RNA or mRNA technology involves the injection of a small part of the virus’s genetic code (RNA) to stimulate the recipient’s immune response. It contains instructions for human cells to make proteins that mimic part of the novel coronavirus, spurring the immune system into action. No actual virus is contained in the vaccines.

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