A shot of trust

Covid-19 does not seem to be on its way out globally, but India’s much-awaited inoculation drive is off to a good start! With over a million people getting vaccinated in the first six days, the mass-vaccination rollout is not only the largest in the world, but also the fastest.

- JYOTIRADITYA SCINDIA

But, here is the real tragedy: False information and fear of medical procedures filling the echo chambers online could get in the way of the government’s efforts. The 80 per cent who were willing to take the jab until November have now tumbled down to 69 per cent—this could cause unnecessary jitters at a time when massive efforts are already under way.

Some fears are exaggerated and misplaced. The government has done well to be forthcoming on addressing frequently asked questions on the possibility of aftereffects, and on the experience of getting the shot. However, questions like the duration of a vaccine’s efficacy can only be answered in due course based on data from continued vaccine trials. Besides, as per doctors, pain, giddiness and sweating are common aftereffects in any vaccination programme. It is noteworthy that the adverse events have been reported in less than 0.15 per cent of recipients in India.