With the emergence of new variant of concern Omicron, the Serum Institute of India (SII) has sought approval from India's drug regulator for Covishield as a booster dose. "It is the need of the hour and a matter of right to health of every individual that they should not be deprived of a third dose/booster dose to protect themselves in this pandemic situation," the SII said in its application to the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI).