Covid technical team for 4th shot as concern rises over new sub-variant globally

National Technical Advisory Committee on COVID-19 suggested inoculating the fourth shot of the coronavirus vaccine, especially to medically vulnerable people as concern rises over the growing detection of a new sub-variant globally.

The technical team chaired by the chief of the team Prof Dr. Mohammad Sahidullah discussed the latest situation of Covid-19, including detection of the new variant called JN.1 and the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization.

The committee in a statement on Wednesday said that several countries around the world have seen an increase in the number of covid-19 infections and this variant.

The JN.1 sub-variant of the coronavirus was previously classified as a variant of interest (VOI) and detected in China and India.

The COVID-19 infection is under control in the country and the variant has not been identified. The committee recommended wearing masks and other public health measures to prevent COVID-19.

It is recommended to use masks as a precaution, especially in high-risk places such as hospitals/medical centres and high-risk individuals with low immunity.

The government's Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) is advised to review global reports to monitor the infection situation and strengthen surveillance in countries, said the statement.

It recommended making all preparations for rapid treatment including Covid test and ICU in case of future infection and passengers arriving from abroad are advised to prepare for screening.

It is recommended that decisions on restarting the Covid vaccination be subject to regular scientific data analysis.

The World Health Organization advises high-risk individuals to receive the fourth dose of the vaccine.

The meeting discussed the need for Covid testing before surgery or any other medical treatment. The committee recommended testing for Covid only when symptoms/symptoms of Covid are present.

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