Money9 Edit | Let science do the talking

The past 48 hours have been a mixed bag of developments on the Covid-19 vaccination front globally.

In the US, its Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US CDC) stated that fully vaccinated individuals need not mask up at most places. This was based on research that their vaccines eliminate the possibility of transmission altogether.

A great confidence booster, but one that has been frowned upon by accomplished epidemiologists, including Eric Feigl-Ding. Social media chatter indicates not many agree with the US CDC on such a drastic step and keeping distance as well as the mask on is a wiser thing to do.

Problems of the first world, one would argue!

Back home, the expert panel in India decided Thursday to double the gap between the first and second dose of the Covishield vaccine (based on the Oxford/AstraZeneca formula) from 6-8 weeks to 12-16 weeks. This gap until March this year was pegged at 4-6 weeks.

While citizens were quick to correlate this increased gap with vaccine shortage, NITI Aayog and ICMR stated that this decision was based on science. It was pointed out that even UK and WHO had previously recommended 12 weeks.

Cut to 24 hours later, and UK decides to reduce the gap from 12 weeks to 8. A decision taken on the back of concerns regarding the variant B.1.617 that originated in India and arguably led to the mountainous second wave here.

India is in dire need of vaccines, not wordplay. Citizens need informed, educated logic.

Many feel that the trust in the country’s leadership is ebbing away. Politicians across hues are only aiding the trust deficit.

We earlier heard of the ‘BJP Vaccine’. Statements made by a Cabinet minister calling vaccine demand ‘narrow political passion’; another asking, ‘should we hang ourselves?’ and a former Chief Minister suggesting that the virus has a ‘right to live’ are taking us away from mitigation. Worse, politicking over vaccine has further eroded public sentiment.

Instead, all energies need to be focused on synchronising vaccine protocols with the best available research globally. Quick procurement and administration will ensure that we protect our citizens. If there are delays, admission of real reasons will be accepted. Lame excuses and passing the baton have no more room left. It is also no time to fight federal India battles. Politics can wait, healing can’t.

Deploy science and transparency to fight Covid-19.