Should not have started 18+ vaccination drive so early: Health experts

Amid shortage of shots, inclusion of the new lot has only added to the chaos at vaccination centres across the city. File pic/Satej Shinde

The Maharashtra government's decision to pause the Covid-19 vaccination drive for the 18-44 category will ease the panic triggered by shortage of doses in the state, health experts have said. Welcoming the move, Dr Anant Bhan, a global health and bioethics researcher, said, "Since those above 45 years of age, especially with comorbidities, are a high risk group, it makes sense to consider holding of vaccination for the 18-44 age group temporarily to focus on those above 45 years of age."

An ‘out-of-stock' board like this at the BKC jumbo centre has become a common sight across the city over the past few days. Pic/Sameer Markande

Dr Bhan said the suspension of vaccination for the younger lot must be a temporary and time-bound measure. "A clear rationale and plans for expanding the vaccination availability should be publicly communicated. We need to plan in advance for the expanded demand/need. Work on increasing vaccine doses at speed. Reduce wastage. Do public engagement," he said.

Between May 1, when the younger lot was included in India's vaccination programme, and May 10, over 51 lakh beneficiaries were given the first dose across Maharashtra. A severe shortage of stock has thrown the inoculation of those waiting for the second dose off the kilter.

"Welcome decision as 45+, the most vulnerable group, should get both the doses. Without confirming if we have enough doses for the second vaccination for the vulnerable age group, we shouldn't have started with the 18-44. This temporary suspension will help reduce the difficulty of the vulnerable age group to get their second dose and also reduce the panic. There will be no overcrowding and chaos," said Dr Prince Surana, CEO, Surana Group of hospitals.

A state health official said they will require 12 crore doses in the next six months if 2 crore have to be vaccinated each month. Till May 10, a total of 1.8 crore people have been inoculated across Maharashtra of which 1.17 crore people in the 45+ group have got their first dose. So far, only 21.8 lakh beneficiaries in this category have been fully vaccinated.

Dr Ravi Wankhedkar, treasurer of World Medical Association, termed the new phase of vaccination a failure. "Bad politics and bad governance is to be blamed for this failure and it's unfortunate that we are unable to vaccinate maximum people. It is important to vaccinate the entire population at the earliest to develop herd immunity. However, since there is a shortage of vaccines, it is also important to ensure those who got their first dose should get their second dose. The immunity level from the first dose needs a booster of the second dose to develop near-complete immunity."

Private players to continue drive

While state-run hospitals have halted inoculating the 18-44 group for the moment, private hospitals that have managed to procure their own doses from vaccine makers will continue administering the jabs to the 18+ beneficiaries. Nanavati and Apollo hospitals are two private facilities that have decided on this, while Sir HN Reliance Hospital is yet to take a call, said sources.

The double-edged sword

Few experts also said that the move, which appears best suited in the current situation, will have some undesired effects.

Pros
>> Will reduce panic, chaos
>> Will help 45+ access vax easily
>> Centres will see less crowding

Cons
>> Will delay herd immunity since 18-44 lot is a large population
>> Will put youngsters who are a workforce at risk
>> Students planning to study abroad will have to wait longer