Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2: An Indian Perspective of Vaccination and Management

Vaccines (Basel). 2023 Jan 11;11(1):160. doi: 10.3390/vaccines11010160.

Abstract

Omicron variants have highly influenced the entire globe. It has a high rate of transmissibility, which makes its management tedious. There are various subtypes of omicron, namely BA.1, BA.2, BA.3, BA.4, and BA.5. Currently, one omicron subvariant BF.7 is also immersed in some parts of India. Further studies are required for a better understanding of the new immersing SARS-CoV-2 subvariant of the omicron. They differ in the mutation of the spike proteins, which alters their attachment to the host receptor and hence modifies their virulence and adaptability. Delta variants have a great disastrous influence on the entire world, especially in India. While overcoming it, another mutant catches the pace. The Indian population is highly affected by omicron variants. It alters the entire management and diagnosis system against COVID-19. It demanded forcemeat in the health care system, both qualitatively and quantitively, to cope with the omicron wave. The alteration in spike protein, which is the major target of vaccines, leads to varied immunization against the subvariants. The efficacy of vaccines against the new variant was questioned. Every vaccine had a different shielding effect on the new variant. The hesitancy of vaccination was a prevalent factor in India that might have contributed to its outbreak. The prevalence of omicron, monkeypox, and tomato flu shared some similarities and distinct features when compared to their influence on the Indian population. This review emphasizes the changes omicron brings with it and how the Indian health care system outrage this dangerous variant.

Keywords: India; diagnosis; hesitancy; monkeypox; omicron; tomato flu; vaccination.

Publication types

  • Review

Grants and funding

This research received no external funding.