Written By: Satata Karmakar | Updated : May 21, 2025 11:08 AM IST
COVID-19 Spreading Rapidly In Asia: Can Fully Vaccinated People Still Catch the Virus?
COVID-19 Vaccine Efficacy: In the year 2019, the world witnessed one of the worst viral outbreaks in the history of mankind - SARS-CoV-2, which led to the COVID-19 pandemic. After more than four years of battling the virus, just as life was gradually returning to pre-pandemic normalcy, alarming news of its resurgence has once again gripped the world.
COVID-19 is once again spreading its tentacles. In the last 24 hours, Asia has reported a sudden surge in daily cases of the highly lethal and infectious JN.1 variant. According to the reports, countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and China are witnessing a sharp rise in infections, driven by the lethal and fast-spreading variant known as JN.1.
As per the official data, Singapore has reported over 14,000 new cases in a week, and Hong Kong is also raising alarms. Taking cognizance of the current situation, the question now is - Will India face another wave? Are current vaccines strong enough to protect us?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the JN.1 COVID strain is recognised as 'the variant of interest' due to its fast transmission rate. As per experts, this mutated version of the COVID-19 virus has upgraded itself to evade the natural immune system of the body and also the one that is being created by the vaccines and the booster shots.
Can you catch the virus even after being fully vaccinated? Studies have stated that - Yes, a person who has received both the vaccine doses and booster shots can catch the virus. Most people who are infected by the JN.1 strain of COVID experience mild symptoms of throat pain, cough, fever, and tiredness.
Apart from this, one should also look out for the most common signs of COVID infection, such as:
However, people with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions may experience more severe outcomes.
Now, let's come to the most highlighted question: can you catch the virus infection even after receiving both the vaccine shots and booster doses? The answer is 'YES' - Breakthrough infections are possible. When fully vaccinated individuals contract the virus, especially those which have mutated and formed new variants, like the JN.1., they can get infected. While vaccines were initially designed to prevent severe disease and death, they do not offer complete protection against infection, especially as the virus continues to mutate.
Recently, Shilpa Shirodkar a known personality from the 1990's has tested positive, she was vaccinated. Her case highlights the fact that vaccinated individuals are still vulnerable to infection, though they are far less likely to experience serious symptoms.
The primary reason lies in the nature of the virus and how vaccines work. COVID-19 vaccines train your immune system to recognise and combat the virus more effectively. However, as new variants like JN.1 mutate, they develop mechanisms to evade some of this immune protection.
Still, being vaccinated significantly reduces the chances of hospitalisation, severe illness, or death, even with new strains.
India, while not in the midst of a severe outbreak, has started to see an uptick in cases. As of mid-May 2025, India has reported 257 active cases, all of which are mild. Kerala leads with 69 cases, followed by Maharashtra (44) and Tamil Nadu (34). Other states, including Delhi, Karnataka, and Gujarat, have reported isolated cases.
The Indian Health Ministry has instructed hospitals to monitor respiratory illnesses closely. While the situation remains under control, experts warn that complacency could lead to a wider spread.
With the sudden spike in fresh COVID-19 cases, experts have asked everyone to follow certain rules to contain the spread of the virus. Here is what you need to follow:
These steps are essential to reduce the risk of exposure, especially for those with weakened immunity or underlying health issues.
"People whose immunity is on debt will be triggered by this new variant at a more alarming rate". 'Immunity on Debt' means the situation when for a long time, the body of a person is not affected by any illness or weakness.
Amid rising concerns over JN.1, the U.S. FDA has cleared the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine (Nuvaxovid) for use. This protein-based vaccine differs from mRNA-based vaccines and includes Matrix-M, a plant-derived adjuvant that enhances the immune system's response.
Nuvaxovid, the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine, uses a protein-based approach, and it also contains something called Matrix-M, a plant-based ingredient that helps boost your immune system's response so it can recognise and fight the virus more effectively. That will help the body's immune system fight against the upgraded version of COVID-19 JN.1. Individuals who have never been vaccinated against COVID-19 can get two doses of Novavax.
The current situation of COVID-19 shows that there are approximately. 257 active cases in India, but all are mil,d and the situation in India is under control. Since May 12, Kerala has recorded 69 most new cases, with Maharashtra reporting 44 and Tamil Nadu 34. Other states - including Karnataka, Gujarat, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim have reported only a few cases.
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