Graphical Abstract
Lay Summary - The COVID-19 pandemic that started almost 2 years ago has since spread like wildfire, affecting millions of lives all across the globe. Controlling the transmission of this infection continues to pose a challenge majorly due to two reasons 1) the rapidly evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2 2) the risks associated in various age groups of population. With more focus on efficient vaccines, advanced diagnostic techniques, better therapeutics and strict adhesion to public safety protocols and guidelines, the pandemic can be controlled and its repercussions can be minimized.