Need to chalk out a smooth path for vaccine delivery

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The big announcement - vaccines for all above 18 from May 1 - has come at a time when India is on the brink. The younger set has spoken about the mixed reactions that are being aired on social media, as the announcement was made.

Mixed responses, different statements, diverse opinions are true of all situations. It is important to note what younger people are saying, in a report in this paper and beyond: the overarching sentiment seems to be that it is better late than never.

One young man stated that if the young are safeguarded, they can become better and less wary caregivers for their elderly loved ones in the pandemic. Others have opined that the jab should have been allowed a while ago, while yet others said they will use social media to telling effect to puncture the sentiment of the anti-vaccine lobby.

There is a vaccine shortage currently and the age group 45 and above and the seniors for whom vaccines opened before, are still scrambling for the dose. Many worried senior citizens are turned away from centres or have received messages on their phone that the vaccine is unavailable. Several amongst these had been booked for their second dose.

Eventually, things may be sorted out, but it is going to take a while till the centres get the vaccines again. Amidst this scenario, we see the government announcing this policy. This should not be a myopic, feel-good announcement as leaders are at the receiving end of stinging criticism over the handling of the COVID second wave. Let there be full preparation, clarity in communication, one voice between State and Centre, iron out the previous shortages now there is not a minute to waste and let this new rollout be smooth. It should not be mired in the desperate confusion that is prevalent currently, because of shortages.