Third wave: Vaccine hesitancy can be suicidal

Mandatory vaccination is something that is being debated in some circles. Several vaccines against Covid-19 have now been developed, however, the decision of whether to get vaccinated or not has so far been left to the individual citizens. A policy of mandatory vaccination could ensure high levels of coverage, but coercion is hardly a judicious choice in modern statecraft.

However, with the third wave of the pandemic being described as both inevitable and imminent, there is hardly any doubt that vaccines are our best bet against the virus. We also don’t have the luxury of allowing the daily rate of vaccinations to go down. Regrettably, the daily peak of 85 lakh vaccinations achieved last month has dropped to less than half that number.

While the rate of administering jabs has to be pushed up past the peak rate, the government has to tackle vaccine hesitancy on an emergency basis. Only a collaborative effort by all stakeholders including the government, healthcare professionals, policymakers, and the citizens themselves will allow myths and misinformation around vaccination to be dispelled. The political parties of our country which are always high on decibel levels can easily take up the cause of overcoming vaccine hesitancy. Every party has its army of committed followers who can be influenced by the leaders to take up the cause in their neighbourhoods. Many political parties regularly help in the drive of collecting blood round the year by organising blood donation camps. Such an initiative to raise vaccine education can surely contribute a lot to this cause.

The government can also think of making vaccination a part of the school curriculum. It would help spread awareness. With new variants threatening countries again, the only prudent step is to equip ourselves with whatever defences we have. And tolerate no gap in the armour.