Where are we in terms of vaccination?
More than 50% of India’s eligible population (18 years and above) has been fully vaccinated and about 90% of eligible beneficiaries have been vaccinated with at least one dose. Vaccine coverage has accelerated with the launch of the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ initiative by the Government of India, which has now been extended till 31 December 2021.
Is there enough awareness and understanding among the less educated about the importance of COVID vaccines?
When India’s COVID-19 vaccination campaign began in January 2021, there was unusual hesitation among doctors and healthcare workers. Such developments would have a further impact on vaccine coverage for larger populations, if not eliminated early. Apprehensions were attributed to a lack of vaccine efficacy data, questions over safety, rapid clinical trials, and reported deaths among the elderly and ill populations. Hesitation was observed among rich and poor, rural, urban, tribal population as well as pregnant women. However, with the country’s supreme leadership and regular communication on the benefits of vaccines by eminent scientists and medical professionals, 24X7 media and social media surveillance addressing rumours with facts, door-to-door communication, and the tragic second wave in April, vaccination The demand has intensified. By October, the country had passed 1 billion+ vaccine doses and more than 50% of the adult population had been fully vaccinated.
With news of the more permeable version of Anxiety, Omicron reaching India, how worried should we be?
We should be alert and cautious but not crazy about the new version. The pandemic is not over yet, therefore, we must maintain public health measures, especially the appropriate treatment of COVID-19, and take both doses of the vaccine when the opportunity arises.
When can we expect booster shots and vaccines for children?
Whether a booster dose is needed or not will be decided by the Government of India, but at this time it is more important for the entire population, including children, to be vaccinated against the virus. At least five COVID-19 vaccines have been given permission by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) to conduct clinical trials in children and adolescents. These five vaccines are Cadila Healthcare’s ZyCoV-D, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin, Serum Institute’s KovoVax, Biological E’s RBD, and Johnson & Johnson and Ad 26COV.2S vaccine.
Is there equitable vaccination distribution?
Countries with low vaccine manufacturing/production capacity and those dependent on others are struggling to get their populations vaccinated. This is the reality. On the other hand, due to India’s mature vaccine manufacturing, production, supply chain/cold chain management and distribution capability and experience in running successful vaccination campaigns on a large scale, we have not been impressed. As the eligible population is vaccinated, the focus should be on extending vaccination to the last mile and immunizing tribal and rural populations. Equality in distribution can also be addressed when countries share knowledge, information and best practices. It is imperative to have an accredited learning exchange platform such as the USAID-funded ‘City to City COVID-19 Vaccination Learning Exchange (CoVLEx)’ initiative launched by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), where LMICs can participate in the global COVID-19 vaccine development. Can share experiences and collaborate to enhance -19 immunization and routine immunization efforts, especially adult immunization.
Are the urban poor like house help, driver, cook coming forward for vaccination?
The urban poor are usually daily wage earners and migrant workers. Therefore, state governments in India have had to start vaccination camps at workplaces/industries and factory sites so that they do not miss their workdays or miss their daily wages. The government has ensured flexible vaccine timing/ schedules to ensure immunization of the urban poor as well. Under the Har Ghar Dastak (Door to Door) campaign, people who have missed or have not taken a dose of vaccine are being aggressively targeted. People are coming out in large numbers for vaccination. According to our experience in an urban health project, vaccine hesitation has gradually disappeared as the campaign has progressed. Through the USAID-funded Holistic Urban Health Initiative, PSI is ensuring slum dwellers (including pregnant women, LGBTQIA, etc.) are informed about the benefits and schedule of COVID-19 vaccination. As a result, we have supported people in vaccine registration, and taken them to immunization centers in five cities under the project – Indore, Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Bhubaneswar. Many urban poor and vulnerable populations have been empowered with information and diligently supported to get their vaccines.
Read more: When can children expect to get the COVID vaccine?
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