Covid deaths in third wave majorly lower than second due to high vaccine uptake

Tribune News Service

Aditi Tandon

New Delhi, January 20

Covid mortality in India in the third wave is significantly lower than in the second due to high levels of vaccine uptake in the population, a health ministry analysis has revealed.

A study of the active case and hospitalisation trends in the national capital New Delhi has further shown that the ongoing Omicron induced wave is not causing any steep rises in hospitalisations which have remained nearly stable through the 20 days of January despite rising new and active cases.

A comparison of the second and third surge in India shows that on April 30, 2021 there were 386452 new cases, 3059 deaths and 31,70,228 active cases. At that time the proportion of fully vaccinated was 2 pc.

Today as of Thursday, there are 317532 new cases, 380 deaths, 19,24,051 active cases and the proportion of fully vaccinated is 72 pc.

“Current surge in India is not witnessing an increase in severe illness and deaths following high vaccinations. Because of high vaccine uptake we are not witnessing severe disease and death. However those with comorbidities should watch their health. Data show that vaccines prevent deaths,” ICMR chief Balram Bhargava said today.

Member Health NITI Aayog VK Paul said mortality in India remains low due to high vaccinations -- 94 pc adults have received at least one dose and 72 pc both doses.

Paul said 6.5 crore Indians are overdue for their second dose and must accept the shots for safety.

Meanwhile, health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said the analysis of two waves had revealed two things—in comparison with the second wave, deaths as a proportion of active cases has significantly reduced in the current surge and vaccinated people have also significantly increased.

So far as the nature of the current surge goes, the analysis of cases in Delhi shows that while bed occupancy had remained significantly high in Delhi from April 1 to almost May 20 2021 during the second wave, this time it is nearly stable.

Today the positivity rate in Delhi is rising but as compared to the second surge, hospitalised patients or those in need of beds is significantly lower.

Also in the current surge, around 99 pc adult patients admitted to hospitals have common symptoms of fever with or without shivers; cough, irritation in throat usually settles after the fifth day, muscular weakness and tiredness.

Pediatric patients aged 11 to 18 year olds have fever as a common symptom along with upper tract respiratory infection which is not entering lungs.

Covid pneumonia cases due to entry to lungs are also very less in the current surge.

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