All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Director Randeep Guleria on Tuesday, 23 November, said India does not need booster dose at this time.

He said: "There is no need for a vaccine booster dose or third dose for now."

"It is unlikely that a third wave of COVID-19 of a magnitude comparable to the first and second will hit India.

Dr. Guleria was speaking at the launch of a book "Going Viral: Making of Covaxin - The Inside Story" which has been authored by Indian Council of Medical Research Director General Dr Balram Bhargava.

On the need of COVID booster dose, NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr. VK Paul said the decision on a third dose should be based on science.

The book 'Going Viral...' is an attempt to take readers through the journey of developing India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine.

The book captures the first-hand experiences of scientists who worked round the clock to develop India's first indigenous COVID-19 vaccine in a record time of less than eight months. The book sheds light on the resilience and courage depicted.

In his book, Prof (Dr ) Bhargava has also brought to the forefront some lesser-known facts behind the making of Covaxin including the innovative ways in which scientists navigated a strict nationwide lockdown to conduct India's first seroprevalence survey.

In another anecdote, the author has highlighted the important role played by 20 monkeys in ensuring that millions of Indians across the country have access to this life-saving vaccine.

(This story was published from a syndicated feed. Only the headline and picture has been edited by FIT)