Indian Coronavirus immunization process has drawn a lot of curiosity, controversy, questions and anxieties. And at the stage when a new wave of attack of the mutant virus is looming large, I wonder if the disease is fatal or the misinformation surrounding it. Keeping greater welfare in mind -- the government needs to curb over ambitiousness and the opposition should also refrain from questioning every move just for the sake of doing so.
Many experts have expressed their concerns over hasty approval of these vaccines despite not having the complete data of Phase 3 trails.
The scope of for apprehension is, one fails to understand the terms “restricted use” ” Emergency use” and also clarification of Union Health Minister that recipients will be tracked, and monitored as if they are on trial. Such disclaimers could dampen the euphoria generated over the approval to the much-awaited vaccines. The rhetoric that this domestic vaccine is “India’s pride” and “ decisive turning point in the war on Corona” and the Govt and its machinery is chanting the same. A section of naysayers feels that failure of Govt to tackle Covid Pandemic and keep the economy from further deteriorating into crisis is a foregone conclusion. It would be unethical to see the Covaxin vaccine as a weapon by covering-up the complete information related to it. The Govt’s irresponsible attitude could be the reason for the controversy over Covaxin. While 26 thousand volunteers had to be tested, but so far only 23 thousand have been tested. The third phase of those experiments will take 2 to 10 months to come to fruition. How did the subject matter committee of the central Drug Control Agency approve it in the meantime without waiting, is anybody’s guess?
Why this hurry? Is the Govt trying to score some brownie points by following the suit of a few western countries have approved some vaccines? It would be assuring if the government also makes the public aware of the reactions that can be expected after the vaccination.
To instil confidence the first vaccine must be given “live” on TV to the President Of India, the PM, and the Health Minister and opposition leaders who are toeing the government line. Observing their post-vaccine health condition will enable greater success.
In other countries, top political leaders including the US President-Elect and the VicePresident -Elect have taken jab in public to inspire confidence among people.
