Rajasthan’s first sero-surveillance at large scale to find out prevalence of Covid antibodies coming up

JAIPUR: For the first time, the state government will conduct a sero surveillance on a large scale to find out how much of its population has developed antibodies against Covid at a time when over 6 crore vaccine doses have already been administered.
In July, the ICMR survey had released the figures stating that 76% of the population in the state had antibodies against Covid. The ICMR had taken the samples from three districts. But, now the state government has decided to expand the sero surveillance in 14 districts of the state.
Health minister Raghu Sharma said, “Sero surveillance will be done in 14 districts to find out how much population has antibodies against Covid.”
The health department has directed Sawai Man Singh Medical College to prepare the modalities for conducting sero-surveillance. A health department official said, “The SMS Medical College will prepare the guidelines for sero-surveillance. Training will also be imparted to those who will conduct it. Also, the guidelines from SMS Medical College will provide a roadmap for sero-surveillance as it will guide from where the samples will be taken, whose samples will be taken for more accurate results.”
The sero surveillance has also become important as more than 6 crore doses of vaccines have already been administered. Since the sero surveillance done by ICMR indicated that antibodies developed were due to second wave of Covid and also due to vaccination, the proposed sero surveillance will give an idea how vaccination has developed antibodies among people.
The Centre, in July, had advised the state to conduct its state-specific sero surveys in consultation with ICMR to generate district-level data on sero-prevalence as the findings would guide formulation of localized public health responses for Covid management. It was stated by the Union health secretary to the state government that such studies follow a standardized protocol and the findings of such studies can then be utilised quickly by the respective states to guide objective, transparent and evidence-based public health response to Covid.
Wear masks, says CM
Ahead of Diwali, chief minister Ashok Gehlot appealed to people to remain alert on Covid. “I want to caution again as the corona cases are on the rise in several countries. In India, Covid cases have increased in comparison to earlier figures. Don’t forget following Covid protocols during the celebration of festivals.” He appealed to the people to wear masks, maintain social distancing and get two doses of vaccines.