Dr. Komling Perme

 

On 16 January 2021, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the COVID-19 vaccination drive in the country, the world’s largest vaccination drive against the SARS-CoV-2 virus which has caused the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of vaccination is to attain herd immunity against SARS-COVID-2 virus infection. The proportion of the population that must be vaccinated against Covid-19 to induce herd immunity is not known yet according to World Health Organization. However by and large, Herd immunity is achieved when more than 70% of the total population develops immunity either naturally suffering from the disease or by inoculation of the vaccine.

In India, two vaccines are currently in use, Covishield made by Serum Institute of India Ltd in association with Oxford-Astrazeneca, UK and Covaxin made by Bharat Biotech International Ltd with ICMR. Both the vaccines have been introduced following recommendations from Subject Expert Committee set up by Drug Control General of India. Astrazeneca-Oxford vaccine has an efficacy of more than 70%.Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has said that the interim efficacy results of Bharat Biotech's COVID-19 vaccine is 81% thus Covaxin showcases the immense strength of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' to fight the odds and stand tall in the global public health community. More than 5.86 crore doses of Covaxin have been already exported to 70 countries till 17th March 2021.

To avoid rush at vaccination centers the vaccination process is being carried out in staggered manner. In the first phase, Health Care Workers and Frontline workers was  prioritized as a token of thanksgiving for their relentless efforts in fighting Covid 19 pandemic.India has struggled to vaccinate only 3.9crore doses till 20thMarch 21 out of targeted 30 crore people by Aug/21.This is only 2.3% of India’s total population of 135 crore. Both the doses have been given only to 0.5%. At this rate India will take more than 10 years to vaccinate 70% of the population for herd Immunity. Similarly, in Papum-Pare district also it is a concern as per the trending rate. We have conducted 119 vaccination session till 19th March 2021 excluding Itanagar Capital Region and our achievement is only 4702 out of 8482 registered beneficiaries.The slow pace is mainly due to hesitancy or low acceptance rate because of misinformation or rumors.Sensing the low performance, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, as well as Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, urged people to come out and get a jab in a bid to lower Covid-19 mortality rate in the country.

On 1st March 21 Prime Minister launched the 2nd Phase of vaccination as he took the home grown Covaxin at AIIMS.Now any eligible person can register themselves in the Co-WIN portal/Arogya Setu App or can visit the session site for on spot registration. The second phase targets senior citizens above 60 years and above 45 years with comorbidity. It is observed that those lining up for shots are adults and a significant fraction of them far more medically literate than the average Indian. The government of India assumes that it is their experience that will percolate and influence adoption of the vaccines among the larger population. On 9th March 21, Parliament has started vaccination for both the Members of Parliament to further strengthen the vaccination drive.President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu and various Union Cabinet Ministers, including Amit Shah, Harsh Vardhan have also received shots so far besides many celebrities. 

Even a 92-year-old war veteran wing commander Jag Mohan Nath got the jab on 9th March at Nanavati Hospital Mumbai. Here are some points as stated by government fact sheet.

• Covid 19 vaccination is indicated only for 18 years and above as of now.

• Since trials have not been conducted on pregnant women, it is advised that women who are pregnant or not sure of their pregnancy or lactating should not receive the vaccine.

• Persons with history of anaphylaxis to a previous dose of any vaccine should not take.

• Temporarily persons who are acutely unwell and hospitalized due to any illness may defer for 4-8 weeks.

• There may be adverse events following vaccination like pain at the site of injection, redness, Headache,weakness,Itching,rash,nausea,vomiting,mild fever etc. This is a normal phenomenon in any other vaccination also.

To contain the spread of corona, Japan has considered COVID-19 vaccination certificates for those traveling overseas.The European Commission on Wednesday proposed a Digital Green Certificate covering Covid-19 vaccination.The aim is to facilitate safe, free movement of citizens/tourist in the EU.China has launched a digital COVID-19 vaccination certificate for its citizens planning cross-border travels, Bahrain have already introduced certificates identifying vaccinated people.

The resurgence in COVID-19 cases has made the government all the more vigilant. Increasing Covid 19 virus cases in states like Maharastra, Kerala, Karnataka, Punjab etc is an indication that the second wave has already arrived. The only way to stop the transmission is vaccination. It is said that both the vaccines are effective against new the UK variant as well. The government strategy to “Test,Track and Treat” along with stepping up the vaccination is the key to success.

Till then it is the responsibility of everyone to join the vaccination campaign if we have to get rid of the coronavirus transmission. Even after taking the jab continue to maintain covid appropriate behaviors like social distance, hand washing and wearing mask. 

(The writer is the District Medical Officer, Papum-Pare District.)