A Shot Of Hope With A Game-Changing Vaccine
The Hindu|April 20, 2020
Using lessons learnt, a social vaccine can build societal immunity to the devastating effects of pandemics, now and later
Prathap Tharyan & T. Jacob John
A Shot Of Hope With A Game-Changing Vaccine

Over the initial phase of the national lockdown (March 24 to April 14), India reported a 20-fold increase in confirmed SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 cases (468 to >10,000), and a 36-fold increase in deaths (9 to 330). Increased testing may partly account for this; but testing is still inadequate and this data represent underestimates. The case-fatality of 2% to 3% is indicative of the large number of deaths India can expect.

Debates about the relative merits of mitigation to “flatten the curve” versus allowing “herd immunity” to build naturally are increasingly irrelevant. The failures in widespread testing for infection or for immunity imply that transmission-chains via asymptomatic, mildly-symptomatic and presymptomatic people remain undetected. Most countries, including India, are inadvertently employing hybrid strategies.

The lockdown (an extreme example of mitigation) has been extended to May 3. The dire socio-economic consequences and the scale of human tragedy that play out daily make a prolonged total lockdown undesirable. Alongside infection-control, a strategic plan of action to mitigate suffering and to stimulate economic recovery is urgently needed.

As a series of measures

In a recent interview, the Union Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan, asserted that lockdowns and social distancing are the most effective “social vaccines” available to fight the pandemic. A social vaccine has far broader implications.

Bu hikaye The Hindu dergisinin April 20, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye The Hindu dergisinin April 20, 2020 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

THE HINDU DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'
The Hindu

‘Olympics Cancellation Likely If Vaccine Not Found In Time'

Further delays impossible, says Tokyo Games organising panel chief Mori

time-read
1 min  |
April 29, 2020
It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market
The Hindu

It's Wholesale Only At Koyambedu Market

Retail outlets to remain shut to bring down crowding.

time-read
2 dak  |
April 29, 2020
Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy
The Hindu

Ministry Does U-Turn On Plasma Therapy

Treatment not proven: Health official

time-read
2 dak  |
April 29, 2020
Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists
The Hindu

Trump's Bleach Statements Echo Claims By Pseudo-Scientists

‘Miracle cure’ quacks have long promoted industrial bleach to treat autism, malaria and many other medical conditions

time-read
3 dak  |
April 29, 2020
U.S. May Seek Damages From China
The Hindu

U.S. May Seek Damages From China

President says many options on the table to hold Beijing accountable, draws an angry response

time-read
2 dak  |
April 29, 2020
Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out
The Hindu

Koyambedu Market May Be Shifted Out

Decision likely at today's meeting of stakeholders; aim is to enforce physical distancing

time-read
2 dak  |
April 28, 2020
Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra
The Hindu

Massive Spike Of 522 Cases In Maharashtra

On Monday, cumulative tally surged to 8,590 positive cases with 27 more deaths

time-read
2 dak  |
April 28, 2020
The Script Of Disruption And A New Order
The Hindu

The Script Of Disruption And A New Order

Across the globe, the geopolitical and geo-economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic could be serious

time-read
6 dak  |
April 28, 2020
A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19
The Hindu

A Policy Road Map To Tackle Covid-19

The interest of each and the interests of all now coincide, not only within nations but for all humanity

time-read
5 dak  |
April 28, 2020
ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies
The Hindu

ICMR Says No Payment Made For Chinese Test Kits Supplies

Alleged profiteering by distributors supplying the kits

time-read
2 dak  |
April 28, 2020