17th Jan 2021 12:01:AM Editorials
Eastern Sentinel Arunachal News

From now onwards whenever there will be talks on national health and related issues, January 16, 2021 will always be recounted again and again. It was a momentous occasion indeed for the whole nation since the most-needed arsenal in taming the lethal coronavirus that so far has caused ruin of a Himalayan proportion disrupting lives and livelihoods finally arrived. The day was awaited with patience by all and in the late evening particularly, a sense of relief prevailed with the arrival of the news that not a single case of post-vaccination hospitalisation from among all the little over 1.9 lakh beneficiaries who took the shots was reported. This is a shot in the arm for the overall COVID challenge of the country since a certain level of apprehension about the vaccine somehow remained in terms of its strength and side-effects. A gigantic exercise has just begun and to make it successful, concerted efforts as that are visible now must continue.

But amid the conspicuous sense of relief that the vaccination drive had finally been kicked off without any hiccup, there are some underlying negative currents too that are to be countered. These primarily comprise the rumours regarding the usefulness of the vaccines and it is noticeable that a certain level of speculation have gained momentum after the Covaxin version was given the green signal for use even when its trial results are still awaited. However, words of assurance that both the two Made-in-India vaccines i.e. Covishield and Covaxin are safe and effective have come in from the highest level and for clearing further doubts more elaborate public awareness campaigns need to be undertaken. It should be a matter of further relief that more vaccines are waiting for regulatory approval which actually implies that the desired shield against coronavirus the country has been waiting for will get more stronger and as it is the ultimate objective for any vaccination which is herd immunity, will not be too far to achieve. While rumours about the vaccines’ efficacies are to be negated with counter campaigns, among general people a misconception that immunity grows instantly after taking the first dose must be weeded out at once. The fact is the vaccine starts to act only after 10 days of the initial shot and until the 2nd and final one is administered, vulnerability will remain. Thus, the SOPs are still the saviours and relinquishing them will be an act of foolhardiness. Mass awareness campaigns across all media platforms are a must and the State Health Department must be very particular about this aspect.

A fine beginning no doubt, but the battle will be lengthy. Hopefully, scientific temperament prevails till the total banishment of coronavirus. 


Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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