COVID-19 resurgence in India: Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh ramp up surveillance; experts discuss if waning immunity is a concern

Amid the sudden resurgence of COVID-19 cases in Southeast Asia, including Singapore, Thailand, Hong Kong, and even China, fresh cases are being reported in India too. Currently, India is witnessing a mild but growing resurgence in COVID-19 infections in states like Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and more.

The recent rise in infections is being linked to the emergence of two new subvariants, namely, OF.7 and NB.1.8, which are the descendants of the JN.1 lineage, itself a subvariant of the Omicron strain.

On the other hand, the Singapore health authorities have stated that the reason behind the sudden spike is the waning immunity among the population.

Is waning vaccine immunity a concern?

It is alarming to observe the increasing cases of COVID-19 in India, and waning vaccine immunity is a prime reason for this upsurge. ¡°Declining vaccine immunity is an issue in the background of increasing COVID-19 infections in India. Vaccine immunity wanes over time, and hence booster doses are essential,¡± says Dr. Majeed Pasha, Consultant, Pulmonology, Chest & Sleep Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi.

COVID-19 surge: Is it safe to travel to Singapore or Thailand? | Credit: PTI

In view of the ongoing surge, it is important to look at providing booster doses, particularly for high-risk groups such as the elderly and comorbid patients. ¡°Booster doses will ensure sufficient levels of immunity and avoid critical disease. I advise that booster shots should be given priority to the vulnerable populations and encourage sustained adherence to public health practices such as masking and social distancing to reduce transmission of COVID-19,¡± advises Dr. Pasha.

Will a booster dose help prevent the rise in new cases?

With COVID-19 cases on the rise again in India, many are questioning whether a booster dose could help curb the surge and offer renewed protection against evolving variants. According to Dr. Anantha Padmanabha, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Fortis Hospital, Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru, ¡°The recommendation by the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide booster doses to vulnerable groups, like the elderly and immunocompromised groups, is a prudent measure.¡±

¡°The Indian experts' idea of examining the possibility of providing booster doses to individuals who have taken their primary doses six months or more ago is also a rational approach,¡± he adds.

Cases rise in Mumbai, Gurugram, Andhra Pradesh, and more

Amid India reporting fresh new cases, Mumbai has reported 95 cases so far in the month of May. With this, the share of Maharashtra¡¯s total of 106 cases recorded since January, according to data released by the state health department. As a precaution, the Pune Municipal Corporation has set aside 50 beds at Naidu Hospital.

VIDEO | Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Health Minister Satya Kumar Yadav (@satyakumar_y) reacts to reports of single Covid-19 case detected in state. He said,

¡°All over India 257 cases (Covid-19) have been recorded. There is no need to panic as the state is fully prepared. Testing¡­ pic.twitter.com/BJhzrKszU2

¡ª Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 23, 2025

While two Telugu states are also on high alert after a woman tested positive for COVID-19, the state government has issued a general advisory urging people to take precautions to tackle any possible spike in COVID-19 cases, reported the Hindu Businessline.

In Haryana, three new cases of COVID-19 infections have been confirmed, including two in Gurugram and one in Faridabad.

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