The new double-mutant virus is now classified as a ‘matterof concern’ by WHO and other agencies. Medical experts say the Pfizer andModerna vaccines are effective against this mutant virus. Only 0.13 per centand 0.07 per cent of the patients, who took both jabs of Covaxin and Covishieldjabs, respectively, were infected. ICMR attributes this to personal immunitylevels, but it is also studying if virus mutants are a cause. Pfizer claims itsvaccine can be given after one has taken the Astra (Covishield) jab.
Now coming to the critical issue of the Covid fight, privatedoctors have not played any part in the battle against Covid-19. They shouldhelp in the fight by relieving government doctors from duty. On May 15, 30doctors from Gurgaon went on a 24-day Sputnik V package tour to Russia, whichincludes two shots of the vaccine taken on day 2 and day 23. The next batch isscheduled for May 29, also comprising mostly doctors from Delhi! This meansmany private doctors had not taken the vaccine, meaning they are not evenseeing patients for fear of the virus and also prefer a higher efficacy ratevaccine against the double-mutant virus.
Now that persons in 18-44 age group are getting the firstshot, they must get the Pfizer shot for the 2nd jab unless Astra confirms theirvaccine is good for the mutant virus too. Otherwise, the entire exercise willgo to waste. For this, India must be able to build refrigeration systems at-70C +/-10 C for storage up to 6 months. For site use, 2-8 C gives shelf lifeof 30 days.
The Centre must allocate enough funds for procuring vaccinesand not run after mega projects like the Central Vista for self-aggrandisement.
