Two-Thirds Of Indians Over Six Have Covid Antibodies: Sero Survey Results
Roughly two-thirds of all Indians over six, or 67.6 per cent of the population, have antibodies against the coronavirus, the government said today as it announced the results of the fourth serosurvey.
This means around 40 crore are still at risk of infection, the government added, as it warned against laxity in following Covid-appropriate behaviour and urged eligible people to get vaccinated.
"The fourth serosurvey shows there is a ray of hope, but there is no room for complacency. We must maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour," ICMR chief Dr Balram Bhargava said.
A survey of 36,227 people, including 7,252 healthcare workers, conducted across 70 districts in 21 states in June-July indicated 67.6 per cent of Indians over the age of six had COVID-19 antibodies.
Over 50 per cent of 8,691 children between the age of six and 17 who were tested also had the antibodies. This was the first national survey to test for antibodies in those under the age of 18 - a decision taken amid widespread concern that future waves could affect children.
