The article, “After Covid success, RNA vaccines may be here to stay” (Nov. 16, Gulf Today) was brilliant. It is a massive relief that the new Moderna vaccine can be stored at 2 to 8 degree Celsius, in an ordinary refrigerator and its shelf life is 30 days. Storing and transporting the vaccine will be easier.

The Modern vaccine costs USD 37 per dose. The Serum Institute of India, has a target price of USD 3 per dose.  However, developing continents like South Asia and Africa need the vaccine at about USD 1 per dose. So, research must continue.

The public and private hospitals should play a pivotal role, in rolling out the vaccine. Private clinics should also be involved. The premises of theatres, colleges, schools, sports complexes should be deployed to ensure that the maximum number of people are inoculated rapidly.

Vaccinating entire countries within a few months will be a major logistical exercise, requiring rigorous and detailed logistical planning. The war on COVID-19, is akin to the D-Day planning by the Allies on 6 June 1944, when the Allies invaded northern France, through beach landings in Normandy. The rollout plan of the vaccines should be detailed and well publicised. It should be supported by a granular logistical plan. The time-table of inoculations should include the major storage centres of the vaccine, like Mother Depots and the retail distribution of the vaccine.

It will be major challenge to get adequate doctors, para-medical staff and nurses, to organise the vaccination drive. Even medical students should be trained and roped in for the massive inoculation programme.

Every person who gets inoculated, with the anti-COVID-19 vaccine, should be given a vaccination card certifying it. People should be required to carry this card, like an identity card, and should be a pre-requisite to travelling by plane or train or attending public functions.

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India