What we need to understand is that the vaccination process will take its own course and we need to have patience. There is no easy solution to the pandemic and vaccine is not ‘the solution’ but is a part of the process to eradicate the virus
Biswadeep Gupta
Good news is finally coming as India is set to start the biggest vaccination drive. Today the Subject Expert Committee (SEC) of Central Drugs Standards Control Organisation (CDSCO) had made its recommendations in respect of Accelerated Approval Process request of M/s Serum Institute of India and M/s Bharat Biotech International Ltd as well as about Phase-III Trials of M/s Cadila Healthcare Ltd.
The fastest developed vaccine ever as well as a robust and quick process of vaccination is the target for the Governments. Each state government is gearing up for the process as well as arrangements of logistic such as cold chain infrastructure etc.
As a citizen, we are all hopeful. We want a quick phasing out of the pandemic and should be looking forward to a normal environment. The loss of business and productivity is huge not to mention the failure of a healthy life. People are suffering from other ailments due to fear of venturing into a medical facility.
There are apprehensions also about the vaccine and rumour-mongering has already started, not to mention the Indian political class who do not lose the opportunity to jump the bandwagon in order to make a political point rather than serving the people interest.
What we need to understand is that the vaccination process will take its own course and we need to have patience. There is no easy solution to the pandemic and vaccine is not ‘the solution’ but is a part of the process to eradicate the virus.
There are challenges for any Government. First, what is the cost of vaccinating the 130 Crore plus citizen. Government of India has already declared that they will make it available free of cost. Second, the infrastructure necessary to reach the last mile to vaccinate. Third, the efficacy of the vaccine will be tested and evolved over a period of time with the various side effects, mutant strains evolving and its affect on vaccine etc. Fourth, the advocacy and social acceptance of the vaccine will take time to be standardised. Fifth, it is a long march and the year 2021 will pass by very fast but the economic and health crisis will keep multiplying.
So what is the solution till we get to eradicate the virus? Accept that we have to live with ‘it’ and follow, evolve and exercise ‘Covid Appropriate Behaviours’. ‘SMS’ is going to be the way of life- Sanitise, Mask and Social distance.
Can we? The question should not haunt us.
