The government’s decision to expand Covid-19 vaccine programme to include youngsters in the age group of 12-14, and do away with the bar of having comorbidities for booster doses for elderly is welcome. The step is considered an important one towards protecting people from the impact of future waves of the coronavirus disease, and insulating them from newer variants of the virus that are bound to emerge. The government may also expand the eligibility for boosters progressively to those aged 45 and above as well as 18 years and above. As and when done, it would be in line with scientific evidence in favour of vaccinating the population.
The science on the benefits of a booster dose is lucid although there is no country-specific data that is available.
In Kashmir alone, 336758 children shall be covered across at 105 planned session sites, the government said.
Additional Commissioner said that the administration achieved a milestone to cover the entire population for Covid-19 vaccination above the age of 14 years with the active support of heath and other departments. He rightly said that children are also vulnerable to pandemic infection hence they also need to be inoculated.
While the government underlined that it will speed up vaccination drive in the particular age group, there is need to do more, especially to overcome hesitancy. Such a scenario demands more work to be done to ensure more and more children are covered. Parents who hesitate, as per some experts, are taking “an enormous risk and continuing to fuel the pandemic.” The government must persuade more and more children to take the jab.
There is also a need to prioritize administering booster doses in vulnerable populations, besides, expediting vaccination among eligible sub-adults.
The Omicron variant, which is ebbing now, is perceived as less dangerous than the delta variant responsible for the second wave but the people need to raise their guard and remain cautious and vigilant. It remains the social and moral responsibility of every citizen to be responsible for themselves and those around them. The vaccines have proved highly safe and effective at reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization and death, global data has shown. The administration must get its act together and take steps so that most of the eligible take the jab. It is also important to note vaccination will ensure minimal disruption of key activities, including business and education.
