ICMR 4th Sero Survey: 40 Crore Indians Still Vulnerable to COVID

India has an overall seroprevalence of 67.6 percent said ICMR (Indian Council of Medical Research) Director General Balaram Bhargava in a press briefing on 20 June.

The survey also involved children as young as 6 years of age.

This was the 4th COVID-19 sero-survey conducted by ICMR in India. While he called the results a 'ray of hope', he also went on to warn against complacency.

Here's what we know,

About the Survey

First, let's look at some key points about the sero survey, and how it was conducted.

• The national survey was conducted between June and July in 70 districts.

• The survey involved 28,975 people of the general population and 7252 healthcare workers.

• It was conducted on participants between over the ages of 6 years.

What the Survey Found

ICMR in the press conference announced that they found a seroprevalence of 67.6 percent.

What this means is that one third of the India's population does not have COVID antibody protection.

Let's break down this data by age groups.

• 6 to 9 years - 57.2 percent

• 10 to 17 years - 61.6 percent

• 18 to 44 years - 66.7 percent

• 45 to 60 years - 77.6 percent

• Over 60 - 76.7 percent.

The survey also found that the seroprevalence was slightly higher in females at 69.2 percent as compared to males (65.8 percent).

Moreover, the seroprevalence in rural areas (66.7 percent) is lower than those in urban areas (69.6 percent)

The survey also looked at the seroprevalence among health care workers which came up to 85.2 percent.

Of the 7252 healthcare workers involved, 10 percent were not vaccinated.

"In conclusion, two-thirds of the general population, that is, above the age of six years, had SARS-CoV-2 (antibodies)."

Dr Balram Bhargava, Director-General, ICMR to ANI

(Written with inputs from ANI and Times of India.)