Focus On Administering The Second Dose
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
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By Linus Garg
First publised on 2021-10-29 01:49:22
About the Author
Linus tackles things head-on. He takes sides in his analysis and it fits excellently with our editorial policy. No 'maybe's' and 'allegedly' for him, only things in black and white.
View all posts by this Author
It is distressing that more than 10cr people have missed their second Covid vaccine dose appointment in India. As it has been proved by tests the vaccines work optimally only after the second dose has been administered, Indiaâs chances of achieving herd immunity will get reduced if such a large number of people do not take the second dose. Also, lately there has been talk of administering a booster dose to supplement the first two doses. If so many people refrain from taking the second dose, how will the booster dose be administered?
What has prompted these people from coming forward to take the first dose? Experts have given the usual reasons like vaccine hesitancy, misplaced fears of side effects or complacency due to incorrect belief that a single dose is enough could be the reasons for this omission. But it could also be due to the fact that when it was the time to take the second dose, the vaccine shortage made them make the rounds of vaccine centres without avail. This might have put them off. Also, some might have suffered serious adverse side effects from the first dose and are scared in taking the second. Then there is also the vile misinformation campaign being run by vested interests in numerous WhatsApp groups and over social media.
But whatever the reason, it puts them and the whole community under threat. Hence, the government must take steps to make them take the second dose without delay. It also needs to be found out that if the second dose will be effective if a long time has passed after they took the first dose. If not, these people will have to take both the doses again. The government must start an awareness campaign and also begin a disincentive process whereby those who are not fully vaccinated must not be allowed entry in public places. Although the protocol is in force in some places, checks are not done properly. This process has to be strictly implemented.
