Technical team for 4th Covid shot

The National Technical Advisory Committee on Covid-19 has suggested inoculating medically vulnerable people the fourth shot of coronavirus vaccine as concern rises over growing detection of a new sub-variant globally.
The technical team, chaired by the team chief Prof Dr Mohammad Shahidullah, discussed the latest Covid-19 situation, including detection of the new JN.1 variant.
It also shed light on the latest recommendations of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The committee in a statement on Wednesday said several countries around the world have registered a rise in the number of infections caused by this variant.
The JN.1 variant was previously classified as a variant of interest (VoI) and detected in China and India.
The Covid-19 infection is under control in Bangladesh where the variant has not been detected yet.
The committee recommended wearing masks and other public health precautions to prevent the pathogen.
It suggested using masks as a safety measure, especially in high-risk areas such as hospitals/medical centres and high-risk individuals with low immunity.
The Institute of Epidemiology Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) has been advised to review global reports to monitor the situation and strengthen surveillance, according to the statement.
It recommended making all preparations for rapid treatment, including Covid test and ICU, in case of future infection.
Passengers arriving from abroad have also been advised to prepare for screening.
The committee further recommended that decisions on restarting the Covid vaccination be subject to regular scientific data analysis.
The WHO advises high-risk individuals to receive the fourth dose of the vaccine.
The meeting discussed the need for Covid testing before surgery or any other medical treatment only if symptoms/symptoms of Covid are present.

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