While Centre contemplates a booster dose of Covid vaccine, over 10 crore are still due for their second dose

KEY STORY 

• While the country has achieved a milestone of 100 crore shots, it has been a cause of concern that many people are still not completely vaccinated. According to Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya over 12 crore people were yet to take their second shot as of last week. Dr V K Paul, Member (Health) in Niti Aayog and a key expert in the vaccination programme, had on October 20 said that the number of persons who had overshot the date for the second dose stood at 10 crore.

• As the country aims for better protection against Covid-19, the Centre is contemplating a booster dose to all or certain categories of individuals based on medical conditions. The government is likely to soon release a policy document on the third dosage of a Covid-19 vaccination.

• According to reports, Dr NK Arora, co-chair of INSACOG, a 28-lab collaboration established under the Union health ministry to study genomic alterations in SARS-CoV-2, has advised individuals not to take the third or booster dosage of Covid-19 vaccine just yet. A booster dose is not required for any Covid-19 vaccination certification at this time.

• However, despite the government’s efforts to develop a countrywide booster dose program, the gravity of the number of people missing their second dose of the vaccine cannot be undermined. Tens of crores of people missing their second dose of the vaccine is a cause of concern. And this is not because of a shortage of doses. It is sheer complacency and laxity about vaccination as cases have been low for months in many states.

• If one were to look at other countries with better second-dose coverage, Indians might have to pay a heavy price for the second-dose laxity.

• This has come at a time when Many countries with better second-dose coverage like Singapore, Russia, the UK and China have reported a spike in cases and are facing a fresh outbreak. China has even resorted to aggressive lockdowns across provinces. In such a scenario, the callousness over vaccines is plain unacceptable.

• The government on its part is pushing initiatives such as ‘Har ghar dastak’ to ensure people are fully vaccinated. Besides this, the government has also been stressing that the vaccination cannot and should not lead to laxity in Covid-Appropriate Behaviour (CAB).

CONCLUSION 

• While vaccines considerably reduce the chance of serious illness due to Covid-19, CAB like wearing masks and maintaining social distancing prevents or at least minimises the risks of catching the infection.

• But then the government’s efforts are only as strong as the people’s intent and willingness to comply. If that is lacking, then the country will be in a situation of one step forward two steps back. At a time when India has emerged as a shining example of nearly overcoming Covid-19 with over 110-crore jabs after a devastating second wave, this is not the risk we can afford to take.