“HarGharDastak campaign 2.0” to accelerate the pace and coverage of COVID19 vaccination across States and UTs has commenced across the country. Being implemented in a ‘Mission Mode’, States and UTs have been advised to give an intensive push towards full COVID19 vaccination coverage by vaccinating all eligible beneficiaries.

Two months long “Har Ghar Dastak 2.0” campaign commences today

New Delhi (The Hawk): In a historic achievement, India’s cumulative COVID19 vaccination drive has surpassed the 200-Crore milestone today. As per provisional reports till 1 pm today, a total of 2,00,00,15,631 doses have been administered across the country. This has been achieved through 2,63,26,111 sessions.&nbsp;<img src="https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/image/image002LN3G.jpg">&nbsp;In a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the countrymen on bringing about this significant feat. He called India’s vaccination drive “unparalleled in scale and speed”. &nbsp;Union Health Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya also congratulated the country on achieving this landmark in only 18 months. He stated that “this extraordinary achievement will be etched in history”. Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Dr Bharati Pravin Pawar also thanked the healthcare workers for their hard work, vision and innovation in setting a new record in the service of humanity. India’s nation-wide COVID19 vaccination program was launched by Hon’ble PM on 16th January, 2021. Under his proactive and visionary leadership, India supported the research, development and manufacturing of COVID19 vaccines under the&nbsp;“Make-in-India”&nbsp;and&nbsp;“Make-for-World”&nbsp;Strategy, embarked on the use of cutting-edge technologies like CoWIN for evaluating geographical coverage, tracking AEFI for vaccines, promoting inclusivity and for providing a single reference point for citizens to follow their vaccination schedule, and prioritized vaccine administration based on scientific evidence and global best practices.Several systematic interventions were also carried out in ensuring capacity building for carrying out this nationwide exercise. Existing supply chain for storage and transport of COVID19 vaccines was leveraged and strengthened and effective monitoring of vaccine distribution and assured availability and efficient utilization of vaccines and syringes was ensured at all times.India’s free and voluntary nationwide COVID19 vaccination exercise is also being carried out in a citizen friendly approach through initiatives like Har Ghar Dastak, Workplace CVC, School based vaccination, vaccination of persons with no identity documents, Near-to-Home CVC and Mobile Vaccination Teams. With 71% of CVCs located in rural areas and over 51% of vaccine doses administered to women, India’s National COVID19 Vaccination Programme also ensured geographical and gender equity.Despite the decline in COVID cases across the country, consistent efforts were ongoing to vaccinate all eligible citizens. This is exemplified by the fact that it took almost 9 months to reach the 100 Cr mark and another 9 months to reach the 200 Cr vaccination mark since the start of the vaccination drive on 16 Jan’ 2021, with the highest single day vaccination record of 2.5 Cr doses achieved on 17 Sept 2021.On 15th&nbsp;July 2022, the Union Government launched a 75 day long ‘COVID Vaccination Amrit Mahotsav’ to provide free precaution dose to all eligible adult population at Government COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs). This special drive, part of the celebration for Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, is being implemented in a ‘mission mode’ to increase uptake of precaution dose of COVID vaccine.India also laid out a well-organized communication strategy of providing correct information and customized guidelines on COVID vaccination. It helped address vaccine hesitancy and promoted vaccine eagerness and COVID appropriate behaviour among the masses.The Union Government is committed to further accelerating the pace and expanding the scope of COVID-19 vaccination throughout the country.

In a historic achievement, India’s cumulative COVID19 vaccination drive has surpassed the 200-Crore milestone today. As per provisional reports till 1 pm today, a total of 2,00,00,15,631 doses have been administered across the country. This has been achieved through 2,63,26,111 sessions.

India achieves major landmark of ‘200 Crore’ COVID-19 Vaccinations

Dallas (US): According to a new analysis of adults hospitalised with COVID-19 in Los Angeles between December 2021 and April 2022, high blood pressure more than doubled a person's risk for hospitalisation from an Omicron-variant COVID-19 infection - even in the presence of full vaccination including a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.Even in the absence of other chronic conditions like type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, or heart failure, high blood pressure, often known as hypertension, continued to have an effect on the severe COVID-19 sickness.According to the study's lead author Joseph E. Ebinger, M.D., M.S., an assistant professor of cardiology and the director of clinical analytics at the Smidt Heart Institute at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, "These findings are important since approximately half of the adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure."Early in the pandemic, COVID-19 vaccinations assisted in reducing mortality as well as some of the worst side symptoms of the infection. An observational study in Israel found that a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine further reduced the risks of severe illness by up to 70%. Nevertheless, some people who had received the full dose and the booster dose still needed to be hospitalised for COVID-19 during the first Omicron variant outbreak. The Omicron version, which is still the predominant type, was discovered for the first time in the United States in December 2021, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seven Omicron subvariants have been found as of July 2022.Even though the study group included participants who had received the whole COVID-19 vaccine series and a booster dose, Ebinger and colleagues sought to investigate the features of those individuals who had COVID-19 cases severe enough to necessitate hospital care. The data revealed that other older persons without other underlying medical issues are also at risk, according to Ebinger. Even if a person does not have any other significant chronic diseases, a breakthrough Omicron infection serious enough to require hospitalisation can affect an adult of any age, particularly if that person has high blood pressure. Not always who we assume they are are the folks who are most at risk. The discovery that they are not the sickest of the ill was unexpected.During an Omicron surge, between December 2021 and April 2022, in the greater Los Angeles area, 912 adults who had received at least three doses of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine (either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines, authorised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) and were treated for COVID-19 underwent a retrospective cohort study. Age, gender, race, ethnicity, and clinical data from electronic health records were among the demographic details that were looked at. The existence of chronic medical illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, kidney disease, heart attack, heart failure, and past chronic pulmonary obstructive disease or asthma are examples of critical clinical traits and variables that researchers have uncovered.According to the data, roughly 16% of the 912 people who received the three doses of the mRNA COVID-19 vaccination needed to be hospitalised.* The risk of hospitalisation was found to be increased by advanced age, high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, heart attack, heart failure, and the interval between the last immunisation and COVID-19 infection.* Even when they had no other serious chronic health conditions, people with high blood pressure were 2.6 times more likely to need hospital care for a severe COVID-19 illness.* Of the 145 patients admitted to the hospital, 125 (86.2%) had high blood pressure."We need to increase knowledge and comprehension that obtaining three doses of vaccination might not completely protect people from developing severe COVID-19, particularly in those with high blood pressure. Additionally, more research is required to determine the reasons behind the association between high blood pressure and a heightened chance of developing COVID-19 disease, according to Ebinger. On how to lower the risks of serious COVID-19 infection, whether, through more specialised vaccine regimens, novel treatments, or a combination strategy, researchers indicated additional research is necessary. The biological mechanism underlying the link between severe COVID-19 and high blood pressure is another area that researchers believe requires additional research. The findings might not be generalizable because researchers used data from a single medical site for retrospective analysis.&nbsp;—ANI

According to a new analysis of adults hospitalised with COVID-19 in Los Angeles between December 2021 and April 2022, high blood pressure more than doubled a person's risk for hospitalisation from an Omicron-variant COVID-19 infection - even in the presence of full vaccination including a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Study: High Blood Pressure May Double Risk Of Severe COVID, Despite Full Vaccination

Lisbon:&nbsp;Portugal started the vaccination for those who had contact with the confirmed cases of the Monkeypox virus, said the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health (DGS).The Portuguese Health authority on Thursday had confirmed a total of 588 cases of Monkeypox in the country as of Thursday since the first case reported on May 3, with 73 detected last week, Xinhua news agency reported.Eligible contacts in different regions of Portugal continue to be identified and given vaccination, the DGS added.The most common symptoms of the disease are fever, severe headache, muscle pain, back pain, tiredness, and enlarged lymph nodes with the progressive appearance of rashes that affect the skin and mucous membranes. —IANS

Portugal started the vaccination for those who had contact with the confirmed cases of the Monkeypox virus, said the Portuguese Directorate-General of Health (DGS).

 Portugal starts vaccination against Monkeypox

New Delhi (The Hawk): Union Minister of Ayush Shri&nbsp;Sarbananda Sonowal&nbsp;inaugurated&nbsp;Vaccination Centre for children at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) today. He also launched the Bal Raksha mobile app, which is aimed at creating awareness of paediatric preventive healthcare through Ayurveda intervention amongst parents. The app will also collect feedback from parents regarding the impact of the kit on their children's health and immunity.&nbsp;Shri Sonowal paid his tribute to Late Dr. Sanjay Gupta, who served as H.O.D at Shalya Tantra Department of AIIA, before he lost his life due to Covid in 2020. The Minister also addressed students at the Institute and motivated them by sharing insights on how Ayurveda has now gained global acceptance and what it means for students pursuing Ayurveda studies.Director, AIIADr. Tanuja Manoj Nesari, along with faculty members welcomed the Shri Sonowal on his arrival. Smt. Jai Devi Kaushal, MLA from Malihabad, UP, was also present at the occasion. She brought with her some saplings for a plantation drive at the Institute. Shri Sonowal, along with Smt. Kaushal and Dr.Nesari, planted the saplings in the garden and took a tour of the Institute.The All India Institute of Ayurveda, an autonomous organisation under Ministry of Ayush, aims at bringing synergy between the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda and modern tools and technology. The Institute has 12 specialty departments, 30 OPD units with state-of-the-art inter-disciplinary research laboratories and an international collaborative centre for global promotion and research in Ayurveda. Ayurveda is the oldest system of medicine and health science dating back to more than 3,000 years. During Covid times, AIIA played a major role by treating patients at the Covid Healthcare Centre in sync with its mission of ‘care with compassion’.

Union Minister of Ayush Shri Sarbananda Sonowal inaugurated Vaccination Centre for children at the All India Institute of Ayurveda (AIIA) today. 

Sonowal inaugurates Vaccination Centre for Children and Launches Bal Raksha Mobile App at All Institute of Ayurveda

Sonowal inaugurates Vaccination Centre for Children and Launches Bal Raksha Mobile App at AllA

Lucknow: Intensifying its efforts to curb the spread of the lumpy virus among animals across the state, the Yogi Adityanth-led government in Uttar Pradesh has completed the vaccination of almost 100 per cent of cows in seven districts and more than 80 per cent in 22 districts of the state.
As per official reports of UP government, at 97 percent, the lumpy vaccination rate is the highest in Bareilly. It is important to note that Uttar Pradesh reached the milestone of administering 1 crore vaccine doses to prevent lumpy skin disease in just 40 days. Gujarat, which has administered about 63 lakh vaccines in the previous three months, is ranked second. Uttar Pradesh is the first state in the country to administer lumpy vax to 1 crore cows so far.
The state government has taken several steps to stop the transmission of the lumpy virus, including among others issuing necessary instructions to all the districts in this regard. The Panchayati Raj and Urban Development Department have been directed to coordinate in spraying anti-larval medicine in all villages to stop the spread of the lumpy virus amid the recent heavy rains.
Directions have also been issued that Agra, Meerut, Bareilly, Lucknow, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Jhansi districts must distribute Ivermectin Bolus and Iodine Ointment.
Moreover, given excessive rains and possible floods, officials have been asked to provide information about the cows affected and dead because of the lumpy virus to headquarters immediately. Each district has been given a deadline of October 31 to complete the required vaccinations.
Additional Chief Secretary, Livestock, Dr Rajneesh Dubey informed that as per the instructions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, 2000 teams were formed in the state to carry out vaccinations and extensive 'ring' and 'belt' vaccinations were done. "Cows with lumpy skin disease signs were discovered for the first time in the state during the second week of August. The Animal Husbandry Department immediately stepped up its attention and began extensive monitoring. The government formed Team-9," he added.
Seven senior nodal officers from Team-9 extensively monitored Bareilly, Moradabad, Meerut, Saharanpur, Agra, and Aligarh divisions. In the state, 1.32 crore doses of the Goat Pox vaccination have been ordered so far.
The vaccination campaign started in western UP, a ring vaccination was launched in the 25 lumpy virus-affected districts of Western Uttar Pradesh.
Later, to contain the spread of disease from Western UP to the central and eastern regions of the state, a 10 km wide and 320 km long belt from Pilibhit to Etawah district was created. Under the area of the belt, 100% vaccination of all the cattle was done.
The second belt was created from district Etawah to Auraiya which was about 155 km long. 100% vaccination of all the cattle was ensured in this area. In addition, the Goat Pox vaccination of cows is being done at a fast pace in the entire state by conducting ring vaccination within a radius of 10 km around all the municipalities and municipal corporations.&nbsp;
The Government ensured that all the cows in shelters and 'gaushalas' across the state were vaccinated against the virus. Priority was also given to the vaccination of all the cattle at the inter-state and intra-state borders.
In 31 districts of Western UP, 98 dedicated cow shelter sites were opened in which infected cows were protected separately. The lumpy virus has so far infected 76713 cows in the state, of which 56054 (73%) have recovered while the rest are undergoing treatment and their health is showing steady improvement. —ANI

Intensifying its efforts to curb the spread of the lumpy virus among animals across the state, the Yogi Adityanth-led government in Uttar Pradesh has completed the vaccination of almost 100 per cent of cows in seven districts and more than 80 per cent in 22 districts of the state.

Vaccination Of Cows Reaches Nearly 100 Per Cent In Seven Districts, Over 80 Percent In Twenty-Two Districts In UP

Lucknow (The Hawk): In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath administration has a daily immunisation goal of 4 lakh lumpy skin disease (LSD) sufferers.
For the purpose of preventing the disease from spreading among cattle, the government has already broken a record by administering 1.25 lakh doses of the goat pox vaccine.
It intends to distribute 1.50 crore medicines by the end of October.
The virus is currently affecting 5,962 villages in 31 UP districts, according to a government spokeswoman.
Uttar Pradesh also has the lowest rate of virus-related fatalities among the states where it has been reported, at less than 1%.
According to Rajneesh Dube, additional chief secretary for animal husbandry, there are around 96,000 sick cattle in the state, of whom 78,000 have received vaccinations.
1.25 crore doses of the goat pox vaccine have already been administered. The goal has been established at about 4 lakh shots each day,' he said.
By October 12, the department had given out one lakh pills, which was impressive given that it was completed in 40 days.
According to a government spokeswoman, each district has been instructed to promptly notify the headquarters of any diseased or dead cattle caused by LSD. The panchayati raj and urban development departments have worked together to spray anti-larval medication in communities to halt the spread of the virus.
The state will also receive access to cow shelters with a capacity of 2,000–3,000 animals in the meantime. According to Dube, the state is running a campaign to educate the public about cattle.
The government has already handed 1.50 lakh cows to cattle rearers in the state under various programmes.
There are currently 228 cow shelters operating in the state, compared to a sanctioned strength of 303 shelters. Another 75 are now being built.
Plans have also been created for the construction of at least 2-3 cow shelters, each with a capacity of 2,000–3,000 cows, in each development block.
24 districts have so far submitted proposals for this.
A 27-acre plot of land with an estimated cost of Rs. 8.33 crore is required for a shelter large enough to house 2,000 cows.
For those that can hold 3,000 cattle, 40 acres of land would be required, and the project will cost approximately Rs 12.08 crore.
(Inputs from Agencies)

In Uttar Pradesh, the Yogi Adityanath administration has a daily immunisation goal of 4 lakh lumpy skin disease (LSD) sufferers.

Yogi government records lumpy virus vaccinations

Bengaluru (The Hawk): Beginning on December 5 and lasting for three weeks, a special vaccination push against Japanese encephalitis (JE) will be conducted in Karnataka for an estimated 48 lakh children between the ages of 1 and 15 years.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain brought on by an allergy or an infection. In India, JE is one of the most frequent causes of encephalitis, with 68,000 cases recorded annually.
"Among them, death rates range from 20 to 30 percent. According to Karnataka Health Minister K. Sudhakar, 30 to 50 percent of individuals who receive a treatment develop lasting physical and mental abnormalities, sensory and motor deficits, and other impairments.
JE is largely spread by Culex mosquitoes, who also carry the flavivirus that causes the disease. Pigs and wild birds serve as the virus's amplifier hosts and are maintained in those animals. The host that leads nowhere is man.
Speaking of the particular vaccination effort, Sudhakar stated that it will largely target private and public schools during the first week of December. Following that, the push will concentrate on medical facilities, anganwadi centres, etc. over the following two weeks.
The Jenvac vaccination would be provided to us by the Union Health Ministry so that we may carry out the push, he said.
Bellary, Raichur, Koppal, Vijayapur, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Mandya, Dharwad, Chitradurga, and Davanagere districts are the 10 endemic districts for this virus in Karnataka according to the Universal Immunization Program. In these regions, the first dose of the JE vaccine is administered to infants after nine months, and the second dose is administered after 1.5 years of age.
(Inputs from Agencies)

Beginning on December 5 and lasting for three weeks, a special vaccination push against Japanese encephalitis (JE) will be conducted in Karnataka for an estimated 48 lakh children between the ages of 1 and 15 years.

In December, K'taka will vaccine 48 lakh children against Japanese encephalitis

New Delhi (The Hawk): According to the government health bulletin, Delhi on Thursday reported 10 new Covid cases in the preceding 24 hours, compared to five the day before, including one more fatality.
The capital city's Covid positive rate is currently 0.4%, according to reports. There are 32 active cases, of which 18 patients are receiving home isolation care.
In the last 24 hours, four patients have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 19,80,559, while Delhi's entire caseload is 20,07,112 and the city's death toll is 26,521.
There are now 4 Covid confinement zones.
In the past 24 hours, 4,05,72,462 new tests — 1,299 RT-PCR and 1,122 Rapid Antigen — totaled 2,421; 686 vaccines — including 38 initial doses, 147 second doses, and 501 precaution doses — were provided.
The health bulletin states that 3,73,47,083 beneficiaries had received vaccinations as of this writing.
(Inputs from Agencies)

According to the government health bulletin, Delhi on Thursday reported 10 new Covid cases in the preceding 24 hours, compared to five the day before, including one more fatality.

Delhi's new Covid cases double to 10, one fatality recorded

New Delhi: Globally, 27 per cent of cervical cancer cases are from India which is home to 16-17 per cent of the world's women population. The current estimates indicate approximately 1,00,000 new cases diagnosed and 60,000 deaths annually in India, accounting for nearly a third of the global cervical cancer deaths.
Over the past 40 years mortality from carcinoma of the cervix has fallen due to improved treatment and the introduction of national screening programmes.
Dr Abhishek Shankar, Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), says that over 7.4 crore cervical cancer cases and 6.2 crore deaths could be averted in the next 100 years if 78 of the world's poorest countries rapidly deploy HPV vaccinations, cervical screening and cancer treatment report as key interventions of World Health Organization.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), 4.1 million women in India have died from the disease since 2019, and without intervention, as many as 5.7 million will die by 2070. Dr Shankar noted: "To eliminate cervical cancer, all countries must reach and maintain an incidence rate of less than four per 1,00,000 women. Three important key pillars and related targets are full vaccination of 90 per cent of girls with the HPV vaccine by the age of 15; screening of 70 per cent of all women using a high-performance test by the age of 35, and again by the age of 45; and treatment of 90 per cent of women with pre-cancer treated and invasive cancer." The AIIMS professor said HPV virus is the prime cause of cervical cancer and also associated with vaginal and vulval cancers, head and neck cancer, ano-rectal cancer and penile cancer. In case of cervical cancer, nearly 90 per cent cases have the presence of HPV and the two most commonly found strains are HPV 16 and 18. "HPV vaccine (Cervarix and Gardasil) prevents the infection and reduces the risk of cervical and other cancer types caused by HPV," the professor said.
"Cervarix," he pointed out, "is a bivalent vaccine that protects against HPV types 16 and 18, the two most cancer-causing subtypes responsible for 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases. Gardasil is available in quadrivalent and nonavalent forms containing HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16 and 28 (and additionally 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58 in nine-valent form as Gardasil 9).
"The efficacy of the vaccine is reported to be between 95 per cent and 100 per cent for HPV 16 &amp; 18 and in reducing the risk of genital warts, precancerous lesions and invasive cervical cancer."
The Indian Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Immunization (IAPCOI) recommends offering HPV vaccine to all females who can afford the vaccine. Because protection is seen only when the vaccine is given before infection with HPV, the vaccine should be given prior to sexual debut.
The vaccine should preferably be introduced to parents as a cervical cancer-preventing vaccine and not as a vaccine against a sexually transmitted infection, added by Dr Shubham Roy, a leading developmental pediatrician and Director of Shining Stars Child Developmental Center in Delhi. Lack of awareness regarding HPV vaccination, the importance of the vaccine, and high cost reported as the major barrier to HPV vaccination in India. Poor HPV vaccine awareness among the people, along with uneasy access, high cost of vaccine, and vaccine myths make the whole operation challenging.
The optimization of the HPV schedule and supply chain process along with planning and scheduling can improve the access to the vaccine, offering an opportunity to expand the number of girls who can be vaccinated and alleviating the burden of complicated vaccination process, added Dr Prerna Gautam, Assistant Professor, Department of Industrial and Management Engineering at Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.
WHO now recommends one or two-dose schedule for girls aged 9-14 years, one or two-dose schedule for girls and women aged 15-20 years and two doses with a six-month interval for women older than 21 years.
The government recently announced that it will begin a nationwide immunization drive in April for girls aged between 9 and 14 using a newly developed vaccine Cervavac targeting the human papilloma virus (HPV). This new vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India (SII) can be a gamechanger in achieving the goals of WHO's Eliminate Cervical Cancer as it offers protection against four strains of HPV. —IANS

Globally, 27 per cent of cervical cancer cases are from India which is home to 16-17 per cent of the world's women population. The current estimates indicate approximately 1,00,000 new cases diagnosed and 60,000 deaths annually in India, accounting for nearly a third of the global cervical cancer deaths.

Experts Uphold Universal HPV Vaccination To Save Women From Cervical Cancer

New Delhi: On National Vaccination Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded all healthcare workers for their efforts towards keeping India healthy and reaffirmed the commitment to building a healthy country. His remarks came after a tweet by Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who said that on National Vaccination Day, the entire nation salutes the hard work of frontline healthcare workers to ensure the vaccination of every child.
Tagging his tweet, Modi said, “Compliments to all our healthcare workers for their efforts towards keeping India healthy. On National Vaccination Day we also recall India’s strides in vaccinating people and reaffirm our commitment to building a healthy India.” Also tagging a tweet by the V O Chidambaranar Port Authority which said that this fiscal year, the port has handed 36.03 million tonnes of cargo, Modi said, “Good! India’s port sector is growing rapidly and contributing to economic progress.” Responding to another tweet by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways on ‘Serang Sandhya’ who has taken command of a ferry, Modi said in a tweet in Hindi, “Tribute to women power! New records of women in water, land and sky will prove to be milestones in building a developed India.” Sandhya, 44, became the first woman in Kerala to hold the title of boat master or serang.
Tagging a tweet by Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar that policies of the central government to make the sugar industry self-sufficient in the country are not only impacting record sugarcane production, but also increasing rapidly in ethanol production, Modi said, “It is my wish that the sweetness of happiness continues to be added in the lives of farmer brothers and sisters. We are going to leave no stone unturned for their welfare.”
—PTI

On National Vaccination Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday lauded all healthcare workers for their efforts towards keeping India healthy and reaffirmed the commitment to building a healthy country.

On National Vaccination Day, Modi Hails Healthcare Workers For Their Efforts To Keep India Healthy

New Delhi News: India reported 5,676 new Covid cases in the last 24 hours, and the active caseload stood at 37,093, said the Union Health Ministry on Tuesday.

On Monday, India reported 5,880 Covid cases and the active caseload was 35,199.

The daily positivity rate was at 2.88 per cent and the weekly positivity rate was 3.81 per cent).

The total tests conducted so far were 92.30 crore, including 1,96,796 tests done in the last 24 hours.

A total of 220.66 crore vaccine doses, including 95.21 crore second dose and 22.87 crore precaution dose, have been administered so far under the nationwide vaccination drive.

The active cases stand at 0.08 per cent and recovery rate currently is 98.73 per cent.

There are 3,761 recoveries in the last 24 hours increasing the total recoveries to 4,42,00,079. IANS

The active caseload stood at 37,093, Union Health Ministry.

India logs 5,676 new Covid case

Sydney: People who suffer from mild Covid-19 infection could be at risk of sudden deafness and hearing loss, according to a study.

Sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) -- also known as sudden deafness -- is a little known and poorly understood side effect of Covid-19 that is not even listed as a common symptom by doctors, said Kim Gibson, a fully vaccinated nursing lecturer at the University of South Australia.

Gibson, a registered nurse with a clinical background in neonatal intensive care, developed acute hearing loss in one ear, along with vertigo and tinnitus five weeks after experiencing a mild Covid infection in 2022.

Her experience is published in the British Medical Journal Case Reports.

"My experience shows that even people who have a minor Covid-19 infection could be at risk of potentially permanent and debilitating long-term effects. High quality, person-centred care is so critical."

Previous studies have linked SSNHL with Covid-19, as well as a potential side effect of Covid vaccination, but the evidence is still limited, Gibson said.

Gibson said that despite working in health education, she was not aware of Covid-19 causing hearing loss.

"This was a shocking experience for me that had a significant impact on my quality of life for several months as I had never had any problems with hearing before; not even an ear infection.

"I was unable to drive a car while experiencing severe vertigo. I needed to reduce my workload, negotiate flexible working hours with my employers and take a leave of absence from study. This was all due to a mild Covid-19 infection.

"I was worried that the hearing loss would be permanent and that I would need a hearing aid. I now feel very nervous about a second Covid-19 infection. What if I experience this again, or even worse?"

According to the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, sudden sensorineural hearing loss - also known as sudden deafness - occurs when you lose your hearing very quickly, typically only in one ear.

It can happen instantly or over a span of several days. People can experience mild hearing impairment or total loss of hearing and it may be temporary or permanent.

After experiencing the sudden hearing loss Gibson was referred to an otolaryngologist (an ear, nose, and throat doctor, or an ENT) who confirmed SSNHL.

A course of oral prednisolone and betahistine was prescribed, and Gibson's hearing slowly improved over subsequent months, although she continues to experience intermittent tinnitus.

"The evidence around the short and long-term impacts of Covid-19 and vaccines is still emerging and the aim of this paper is to highlight the lesser-known side effects of the virus," Gibson said.

"We believe that clinicians should include sudden hearing loss as a potential side effect of Covid-19 when talking to patients. High-dose corticosteroids are a recommended first line of treatment for SSNHL and it is important that GPs promptly refer patients to specialists as soon as symptoms develop.

"Hearing loss and associated symptoms can have a significant impact on a person's quality of life -- they did in my case -- and are closely related with anxiety and depression," she noted

A study of hearing loss during the pandemic showed that approximately one third of patients with SSNHL were positive with Covid-19 when they were referred to an audiologist. Other studies reported an increase of SSNHL in 2020 and 2021, including among asymptomatic people. IANS

People who suffer from mild Covid-19 infection could be at risk of sudden deafness and hearing loss, according to a study.

Even mild Covid infection can cause sudden hearing loss: Study

New Delhi: It is said that love transcends all boundaries and this is being proven true in the national capital’s dreaded Tihar Jail where children born to incarcerated mothers are being given the kind of upbringing and care that one can never expect in a place that houses hardened criminals.
Currently, 37 children aged between 0-6 years that call Central Jail Number Six their home for now, are receiving remarkable care, education, and medical attention within the confines of the high walls of the prison.
Special care of these children begins at the prenatal stage and continues through their birth till they start their schooling and eventually leave the prison after reaching the age of six.
A dedicated gynecologist regularly visits the prison, providing essential checkups and medical support to the expectant mothers.
"Pregnant inmates are given all the medical facilities they need, and women doctors are there round-the-clock in case any expectant mother needs help," said a senior prison official. The care extends to counseling for expectant mothers, providing guidance and support on pregnancy-related issues.
Once a woman gives birth, she stays under observation with her newborn in an eight-bed ward housed in a separate barrack meant for inmates with children. The focus is on ensuring the well-being of both mother and child in the crucial early days of the confinement.
The special care doesn't stop at childbirth and the young ones are provided with comprehensive medical care as they grow.
“A certified vaccination centre within the prison ensures they receive the jabs necessary for the baby’s well-being and survival. The prison’s immunisation programme covers vital vaccines like BCG, Polio, Hepatitis, DPT, and Tetanus,” said another official.
Beyond excellent healthcare, these children are offered a unique opportunity for learning. A dedicated crèche operates within the prison, offering pre-primary education. It also boasts of a variety of activities like games, drawing, and singing. This early educational foundation prepares them for school, setting the stage for a brighter future beyond the prison walls.
Tihar’s commitment to the welfare of these children extends to their nutritional needs as well. A separate kitchen that caters to the children ensures that they get daily servings of milk and fruits, so vital for their early development. Not just this, the prison staff takes care of the children’s Emotional Quotient as well and their birthdays are celebrated by jail officials and NGOs. The children receive toys, storybooks, clothes, and essential hygiene products like soap, cream, powder, and oil as gifts.
Yet, the road ahead isn't forgotten. Once the children near the age of six and no family member comes forward to take them home, or if the relatives are not financially equipped to support them, the prison authorities take charge.
Taking a proactive approach, the prison authorities collaborate with the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) to secure a place for these young ones in childcare institutions, ensuring their continued care and development.
In a prison environment where compassion is usually in short supply, Tihar Jail authorities are charting a new path and redefining expectations by providing not just a roof over these children's heads, but the care, education, and support they need to thrive. Their dedication reminds us that even behind bars, the human spirit can find ways to nurture and protect the most vulnerable among us.
—IANS

It is said that love transcends all boundaries and this is being proven true in the national capital’s dreaded Tihar Jail where children born to incarcerated mothers

Love Behind Bars: How Tihar nurtures children in jail with their mothers

New Delhi: As the world started to lead a normal life after three years of the pandemic and its heavy toll, the US is once again grappling with a new set of Covid-19 variants. The late-summer surge in Covid cases has affected schools, workplaces and local governments as the number of hospitalisations continues to rise.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week recommended that everyone 6 months and older get an updated Covid-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of illness this fall and winter.
Updated Covid-19 vaccines from Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna were set to be made available later this week.
“Vaccination remains the best protection against Covid-19 related hospitalisation and death. Vaccination also reduces your chance of suffering the effects of long Covid, which can develop during or following acute infection and last for an extended duration,” said CDC in its fresh update.
The virus that causes Covid-19 is always changing, and protection from vaccines declines over time.
“We have more tools than ever to prevent the worst outcomes from Covid-19,” said CDC Director Mandy Cohen.
Last week, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved newly-formulated Covid vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna that are more closely targeted to current variants of the disease.
The new Covid vaccines target the XBB.1.5 variant, which was dominant when vaccine makers began to formulate and test a new version.
They are monovalent because, unlike the earlier boosters, they do not include protection against the original virus that caused widespread infections three years ago.
“Covid-19 remains a leading cause of death in the US and poses a significant threat to vulnerable populations, particularly as we enter peak respiratory virus season. As the primary circulating strain continues to evolve, updated vaccines will be critical to protecting the population this season,” Moderna CEO Stephane Bancel had said in a statement.
Moderna said that its updated Covid-19 vaccine contains spike proteins for the XBB.1.5 sublineage of SARS-CoV-2 to help prevent the disease in individuals 6 months of age and older.
The new vaccines arrived as the US saw a 16 per cent jump in the SARS-CoV-2 virus-related hospitalisations.
The CDC data last week showed an increase in hospitalisation — a trend that began rising in late July.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) also warned of “concerning trends” for Covid ahead of winter.
While there is not currently a single dominant Covid variant worldwide, the EG.5 Omicron subvariant is on the rise. The highly mutated BA.2.86 subvariant has also been detected in 11 countries.
In the US, health officials are urging people to get vaccinated as soon as the shots are available, amid growing concerns about the effects that the triple threat of respiratory viruses — coronavirus, flu and respiratory syncytial virus — may have this fall and winter season.
“Vaccination remains critical to public health and continued protection against serious consequences of Covid-19, including hospitalisation and death,” said Dr Peter Marks, director of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research.
Looking ahead, “barring the emergence of a markedly more virulent variant, the FDA anticipates that the composition of Covid-19 vaccines may need to be updated annually, as is done for the seasonal influenza vaccine,” according to the FDA.
—IANS

As the world started to lead a normal life after three years of the pandemic and its heavy toll, the US is once again grappling with a new set of Covid-19 variants

New vaccines arrive as US braces for Covid surge this fall & winter

New Delhi: Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden deaths among young adults in India, concluded comprehensive study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday.  The research, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, showed that lifestyle factors such as current smoking status, alcohol use frequency, recent binge drinking, recreational drug/substance use and vigorous-intensity activity were associated with unexplained sudden death.  As compared to never users, the more the frequency of alcohol use, the higher was the odds for unexplained sudden death.  The research body undertook a multicentric matched case–control study in view of anecdotal reports of sudden unexplained deaths in India’s apparently healthy young adults, linking to Covid-19 infection or vaccination.  The researchers determined the factors associated with such deaths in individuals aged 18-45 years from 47 tertiary care hospitals across India.  At least 729 cases and 2,916 controls were included in the analysis.  The cases were apparently healthy individuals without any known co-morbidity, who suddenly (before 24 h of hospitalisation or seen apparently healthy 24 h before death) died of unexplained causes between October 1, 2021 and March 31, 2023.  "Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden death among young adults in India," revealed the researchers.  Instead "past Covid-19 hospitalisation, family history of sudden death and certain lifestyle behaviours increased the likelihood of unexplained sudden death", they added in the paper.  The study also showed that taking at least one dose of Covid-19 vaccine lowered the oddsfor unexplained sudden death.  Patients with unexplained sudden death were four times more likely to have had been hospitalised for Covid.  "Our findings did not indicate any evidence of positive association of unexplained sudden death with Covid-19 vaccination. However, a history of sudden death in the family, Covid-19 hospitalisation and certain high risk behavioural factors were positively associated with unexplained sudden death among young Indians," the researchers said.  "On the contrary, the present study documents that Covid-19 vaccination indeed reduced the risk of unexplained sudden death in this age group."
—IANS

Covid-19 vaccination did not increase the risk of unexplained sudden deaths among young adults in India, concluded comprehensive study

Covid vax didn't raise risk of unexplained sudden deaths in young Indians: ICMR study

New Delhi [India]: India on Sunday recorded 166 fresh COVID-19 cases while the number of total active cases stood at 895, according to data put out by the Union Health Ministry. The majority of fresh cases were reported in Kerala.
The recent daily average cases is about 100. The latest cases could be linked to winter season when influenza-like illnesses tend to rise. The lowest number of single-day fresh cases since Covid onset was 24 in July this year. Overall, India's Covid-19 tally stands at 4.44 crore and the death toll at 5,33,306, the ministry's data showed. The case fatality rate in India stands at 1.19 per cent. According to the ministry, 220.67 crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far.
—ANI

India on Sunday recorded 166 fresh COVID-19 cases while the number of total active cases stood at 895, according to data

India reports 166 new Covid cases, mostly from Kerala

New Delhi: India on Thursday recorded 594 fresh Covid-19 infections while the number of active cases increased to 2,669 from 2,311 the previous day, according to Union health ministry data.
The country's Covid-19 tally stands at 4.50 crore (4,50,06,572). The death toll climbed to 5,33,327 with six more people -- three from Kerala, two from Karnataka and one from Punjab -- succumbing to the viral disease, the data updated at 8 am stated.
The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has increased to 4,44,70,576. The national recovery rate stands at 98.81 per cent, according to the health ministry's website.  The case fatality rate stands at 1.19 per cent.  According to the ministry's website, 220.67 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the country so far.
—PTI

India on Thursday recorded 594 fresh Covid-19 infections while the number of active cases increased to 2,669 from 2,311 the previous day

India reports 594 Covid cases in 24 hrs amid JN.1 scare

New Delhi: India recorded a single-day rise of 628 new Covid-19 cases while the active caseload jumped to 4,054, according to Union Health Ministry data.
The total fatalities were recorded at 5,33,334 (5.33 lakh) with one new death reported from Kerala in the previous 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.  The country's Covid case tally is currently at 4,50,09,248 (4.50 crore).  The number of people who have recuperated from the disease has risen to 4,44,71,860 (4.44 crore) while the national recovery rate stands at 98.81 per cent, according to the health ministry website.
The case fatality rate stands at 1.19 per cent.  According to the ministry website, 220.67 crore Covid vaccine doses have been administered.
—PTI

India recorded a single-day rise of 628 new Covid-19 cases while the active caseload jumped to 4,054, according to Union Health Ministry data.

India records 628 fresh Covid-19 cases, active caseload at 4,054

New Delhi: India recorded 529 fresh Covid-19 cases in a single day, while the country's active infection count stood at 4,093, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.
Three new fatalities - two from Karnataka and one from Gujarat - were reported in a span of 24 hours, according to the ministry's data updated at 8 am.  The number of daily cases had dropped to double-digits till December 5, but infections have again gone up after emergence of a new variant and cold weather conditions.
 Also Read: <a href="https://www.thehawk.in/posts/several-injured-in-12-vehicle-pile-up-on-yamuna-expressway-due-to-fog" target="_self">https://www.thehawk.in/posts/several-injured-in-12-vehicle-pile-up-on-yamuna-expressway-due-to-fog</a>  The daily numbers were in lakhs at the peak of the pandemic, which began in early 2020 and has seen more than 4.5 crore people getting infected and over 5.3 lakh deaths in about four years since then across the country.  The number of people who have recuperated from the disease stands at more than 4.4 crore with a national recovery rate of 98.81%, according to the ministry's website.  The case fatality rate stands at 1.19%.  According to the website, 220.67 crore doses of Covid vaccines have so far been administered in the country.
—PTI

India recorded 529 fresh Covid-19 cases in a single day, while the country's active infection count stood at 4,093, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

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Two months long “Har Ghar Dastak 2.0” campaign commences today

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