- There is no denying the fact that the vaccination drive to counter the ominous spread of the novel coronavirus has appreciably achieved its intended objectives. As compared to the deadly second covid wave during 2021 when the vaccination drive was yet to pick up pace owing to several reasons, including the production, availability, apprehension, and general lack of urgency, the third wave of Omicron appears to be ebbing considerably. The reason for successfully keeping the spread of this virus variant at bay largely could be attributed to the vaccination drive undertaken covering the eligible across the nation.
PC: Medical Dialogues Bur
- Of course, there is still quite a distance left to traverse before all beneficiaries are covered though. As we are aware, the Union Government is expanding the ambit of vaccination drive to cover different age groups in a staggered manner. After allowing children in the age group of 15-18 years to receive a vaccine, hopes have brightened of children between 12 and 14 years becoming eligible for vaccines. It is reported that the subject expert committee of the drugs regulatory authority CDSCO has recommended emergency use authorization for Covovax for 12- to 17-year-old. If introduced into India’s vaccination program, Covovax can certainly up the pace of vaccination to another level.
- Mind you, its contract manufacturer, Serum Institute of India, exported 4.5 crore doses to the Netherlands, Indonesia, and Australia after Covovax won the WHO emergency listing in December. Further, the vaccine has been approved for adults in India and is also undergoing trials on children above 2 years. Recollect the SII’s Adar Poonawalla had said last year that Covovax could play a major role in child vaccination. Though vaccination for 15–17-year-old began in early January, its pace is relatively slow going by the covered eligible. Reports suggest that against an estimated 7.4 crore children in this demographic, only 5.5 crore have received their Covaxin jab.
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- Further, the 12-14 age group has 7.1 crore children and the 5-11 cohort has 16.2 crore children, indicating a long haul to double-dose all school-going children. In comparison, 33% of the 5-11 age group and 67% of the 12-17 age group in the US have received at least one dose as per reports available. Corresponding percentages for Israel are 25% and 65% (12-15 years). Needless to mention, this is slow progress, but the moot point to ponder over is that western governments have opened up vaccination for the 5-plug age group, unlike India. Given the unpredictability of the virus and no room for any more school closures, the benefits of child vaccination far outweigh monetary costs.
- Meanwhile, government sources are claiming that official scientific assessment that indicates large-scale exposure to Omicron has weakened the need for boosters. Of course, these epidemiological studies must be made available in the public domain. Simply because, for many adults vaccinated several months ago and with no history of infection, a booster is a basic safeguard, especially given how a large percentage of them suffer from various comorbidities. The authorities should look into these issues with all seriousness, intent, and action-plan to press ahead.
