Just as travel restrictions were being eased in some countries, bringing in a ray of hope to the thousands stranded jobless in India, the news that those vaccinated with Covaxin may not qualify for international travel comes as a massive jolt. Reportedly only nine countries have accepted Covaxin while over 130 nations have allowed entry to travellers vaccinated with Covishield. Covaxin is not yet on the World Health Organization's Emergency Use Listing, although Bharat Biotech submitted its Expression of Interest, and the Centre assured to take it forward.
Covaxin is an indigenously manufactured vaccine that is currently administered to over 2 crore Indians. It holds a lot of promise going by medical statements that it could be effective against the mutant strain. However, the efficacy of the jab is somewhat offset by the lack of endorsement from the WHO, which has subsequently led to non-recognition by global companies. In Goa, while the majority of the populace has been given Covishield, private hospitals have used Covaxin for the 18+ category.
With Covid conditions easing off in Europe, the US and other countries, returnees across India have opened up channels with overseas companies to rejoin duties. Major cruise liners have begun re-hiring by shortlisting employees who were sent home in 2020 at the onset of the pandemic. Apart from a stringent protocol for Indian candidates, the status of vaccination is required to be disclosed to facilitate the paperwork. The fact that Covaxin has been used in India, coupled with an extended gap of 12-16 weeks between two doses, probable candidates could find their plans in a jeopardy leaving them in the middle of nowhere.
While those who have taken Covaxin will have no other option but to wait for a nod from WHO, others who have taken the first dose of Covishield and awaiting their second dose could find themselves running out of time and risking their jobs, unless if the visiting country allows continuance of the vaccination dose. In the current format, even if authorities are to sympathise with overseas job seekers, the system will be unable to generate a vaccination certificate ahead of the allocated date, making it a futile exercise for their travel. Given the limited job options at hand, there could be many who may not disclose their inoculation status, even if they have taken the first dose, and would rather prefer to go through a vaccination process overseas, afresh.
In the current scenario, the Central and State governments must be sympathetic to citizens and clear vaccination hurdles coming in the way of jobs. The government's move to hold talks with Bharat Biotech in a bid to expedite processes of getting WHO approval is welcome, but given the implication of not getting that listing should have been factored in much earlier and necessary initiatives should have been taken.
As major global destinations are heading towards a calculated reopening there will be downsizing and salary cuts. It would be most unfortunate if systemic issues deny the few jobs at hand to those who have been unemployed for over a year.
