Tamil Nadu Reports 97% COVID-19 Antibody Prevalence Amid Rising National Concerns
Chennai: As fears of a possible fresh wave of COVID-19 sweep across the country, Tamil Nadu has presented a reassuring picture.
According to the Directorate of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (DPH&PM), the state continues to maintain a very high level of immunity, thanks to widespread and effective COVID-19 vaccination coverage.
The department’s fifth phase of the statewide serological survey, conducted in April 2025, found that 97% of blood samples collected had developed antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19.
The survey focused on elderly individuals across six districts: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirappalli, Dharmapuri, and Kanniyakumari. In total, 3,643 blood samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies.
According to the DPH&PM, the presence of antibodies even three years after the pandemic began underlines the long-term effectiveness of vaccination in the state.
"The high prevalence of antibodies among the general public is the primary reason why recent COVID-19 cases in Tamil Nadu have shown only mild symptoms, and fatalities are almost nil," the department said in an official statement.
Health experts, however, urge continued caution for vulnerable groups.
"When any infection enters the body, it naturally develops antibodies to fight it. However, vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities, should continue to exercise caution despite the presence of antibodies," said Dr Rajani Varrier, Associate Professor of Medicine at a private medical college in Salem.
Despite the state government's claim that no COVID-19-related deaths have been reported in 2025, data from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare contradicts this.
According to central figures, six COVID-19 deaths have occurred in Tamil Nadu since January, with over 200 active cases currently under observation.
In light of the rising case numbers nationally, the Union government recently held a high-level meeting to assess preparedness across states. All states and Union Territories have been directed to ensure sufficient availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has reintroduced precautionary safety measures. In the last week of May, the Directorate of Public Health issued an advisory recommending the use of face masks and physical distancing in public places.
In line with this, the Coimbatore Government Medical College Hospital has made mask-wearing mandatory within its premises.
While officials maintain that the situation is currently under control, they emphasize that continued vigilance and preventive action remain key to preventing any resurgence of the virus.
(with inputs from IANS)