- As you are aware, while the whole world was rooting for the booster dose of vaccine after getting vaccinated with two doses, the Indian government allowed precautionary doses for all those above 60 years with comorbidities and frontline as well as healthcare workers sometime back. The scientific and medical professions were unanimous that administering the third or booster dose will act as a protective shield against the novel coronavirus and variants of concern emerging subsequently. As compared to other countries, the Indian vaccination drive has picked up pace administering more than 83% of eligible with two doses. However, there was growing opinion to extend the precautionary dose to all adults without an exception.
PC:
- The Indian health ministry has now decided to extend the precaution doses to adults over 18 having received their second doses over nine months ago at private vaccination centres. The move is not only most welcome but also timely. As mentioned above, scientific studies have repeatedly asserted how immunity after infection and vaccination wanes over time. With citizens returning to workplaces, a booster dose offers both protection and peace of mind, especially with a dilution of mask mandates being observed across the country. Of course, uncontrolled European and East Asian surges also serve as a warning. Plus, India has a significant proportion of adults with comorbidities and these illnesses are catching adults younger.
- As proved beyond doubt, boosters will protect this vulnerable section, reduce Covid ferocity and keep the economy running. The decision allowing boosters in the private sector alone defies logic and hence should be extended to government vaccination centers too which enjoy greater reach. Mind you, many working in contact-intensive industries don’t have the wherewithal to pay Rs. 600 and upwards for a jab. Further, the Government of India’s expenditure on double-dosing 75% of the adult population till mid-February was just 1% of last year’s budgeted expenditure. Now a single-shot booster in a more competitive vaccine market having cheaper jabs will allow Government to make bulk purchases at even lower prices, perhaps requiring not even 0.5% of this year’s budgetary outlay.
PC: CMR
- In contrast, economic and health setbacks of a virus rebound would hit GDP harder which none wishes to encounter. Also, studies have indicated that a different booster increases protection for those double-dosed with viral vector and inactivated vaccines. Thus, the mix-and-match vaccine should be diligently pursued and extended. As such, the CME Vellore study should enable Covaxin recipients to receive a Covishield booster. Meanwhile, UK studies on using Covovax to boost Covishield recipients are available too. Most hearteningly, with the vaccine bouquet growing, including a potential mRNA vaccine, mix-and-match boosters are the way to go. It is imperative the Government shifts course sooner than later.
