After living with the Covid-19 pandemic and fighting with it for more than 8 months, the writing on the wall is conspicuously visible - for a full freedom, the vaccine is sine qua non. The untimely end of the lives of near and dear ones, especially the elderly will reinforce the belief. With this being the mental state of all citizens, the voluntary and irrepressible feeling if translated into words must be quite like this one- the elderly must be given priority in the vaccination exercise and this must have a blanket applicability across the country.

By now, even if no exact timeline has been spelt out by the Central Health Ministry regarding commencement of the inoculation process and the phrase “within a few months” has been interpreted differently by stakeholders, as a ‘best-case scenario’ it can be presumed that it’s not before January 2021. While the clutter regarding the above is unavoidable as it’s related to the complexities of manufacturing and the preceding steps, it must be said that, as of now, there are no definite guidelines regarding the prospective groups of the population to be vaccinated as per vulnerability. There should be no difference of opinion over the reality that the entire 135 crore populace can’t be given the doses all at once and the frontline Covid warriors comprising the long chain right from doctors, paramedics, police, paramilitary, sanitation workers and remaining others are to be given the doses first. And if the information that is available on public domain is to be taken into account, it’s only after them the age-wise roll out of the general population will take place. Even if there is logic in the plan, the cons are too obvious to escape attention. It will mean the elderly then will be kept in the waiting list and not only this is an extension of their susceptibility to the virus, but also a psychological pressure on family members. There are differences too among experts regarding making of the age slabs, which as per information available is- above 65 first, followed by 55-65 and those below afterwards. Even though these are all technical matters, there is still room to suggest, keeping in mind the urgency of the situation to categorize the elderly right from 60 and not from 65. The Central government will also be thanked if it takes the challenge to carry out the first phase of vaccination by including all those belonging to the ‘elderly’ category simultaneous to the frontline workers. In terms of resources and manpower, it may seem a bit ambitious, but not impossible.

An early announcement in this regard will go a long way in boosting the morale for all the elderly who have been gripped with mounting fear. At this critical juncture, will not this be as good as medicine? 

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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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