Questions galore

This is with reference to your report, “World coronavirus death toll nears 1.6 million” (Dec. 13). This is indeed a grim reality. The only silver lining is that inoculations are also starting in the US and Canada.

Though the Pfizer vaccinations have started and Moderna is in the pipeline, there is a lack of clarity on many points. First, are all the vaccines going to require two jabs? This complicates the vaccination drive, when you inoculate crowded localities in slums and villages. The two-jab vaccine could pose a challenge in continents like Asia and Africa. Governments will find it difficult to ensure that every person returns for the second jab. Just as many people have ignored the masking practice despite fines, they may ignore the second jab, thinking the first is enough. It will be useful if the research into the vaccines continues, to ensure full protection with a single jab.

Second, we need to understand the dosage of the two jabs. For instance, the AstraZeneca trials have indicated higher efficacy of the vaccine, with a lower volume first jab, followed by a higher volume second jab. Third, the exact time gap between the two jabs needs to be clearly and widely communicated, so that people are proactive in getting both.

Fourth, all countries, may not approve all the vaccines. For instance the Chinese and Russian vaccines have not been cleared by the US or Europe. So, we need to know the implications of getting inoculating twice. For instance, a person may take the vaccine his country is offering. However, if he is travelling abroad, that country may have approved a different vaccine. Will the person be safe, getting vaccinated with two vaccines?

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India