NTAGI defers key meeting on booster dose, kids inoculation

The National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) has decided to postpone a crucial meeting, deferring key decisions on a booster dose, additional dose for immunocompromised people and vaccination of children. The meeting will now be held in the first week of January, people in the know told ET.

NTAGI had earlier decided to meet next week to assess the role of booster shots, vaccination for children and to frame a strategy to tackle any surge in virus infections.

However, since many members were not available, it was decided to postpone the meeting to next month.


"The date is yet to be decided but the meeting will be held in the first week of January," the same person said.

NTAGI is also hopeful that by the end of December or early January, the National Institute of Virology (NIV) will be able to culture the virus and may know how the existing vaccines are working against the Omicron variant.

"NTAGI is waiting for the report from NIV to firm up decisions on the need for a booster dose, additional dose for immunocompromised people and vaccination of children," said the person cited earlier.