Uninviting the unvaccinated

A survey by Local Circles found out that at least 58 per cent of surveyed Indians are vaccine hesitant

For photographer Gaurav Sawn and his wife Riddhi Dave, it's been a season of uncomfortable conversations. They have been staying in at home most of the time, but when they have hosted small get-togethers or gone out to a friend's home, the topic of "who is unvaccinated?" has frequently come up. "We have a few close friends, and we haven't been able to hang out with many of them, as they are not vaccinated." With New Year around the corner, understanding the reasons behind the hesitation of a few to not get vaccinated is imperative. "When you care about someone and want to spend time with them, or want them to be safe, you want to understand their reasons. Some say they don't feel there is enough research about the vaccine and its side effects, and some feel that they don't want to take the trouble till it's absolutely mandatory." Sawn, 34, has be reading up about the issue as well, and feels that everyone should comply with the vaccine mandate. "For now, we are being careful. Anti-vaxxers are loud and vocal about their decision, so it's easy to decide which party to go to, and which not to. We haven't made it obvious, but now, I think everyone knows."

Musician Krishna Marathe, who is unvaccinated, has been getting RT-PCR tests done wherever required

A study by Local Circles, a surveying agency based in Noida, found that the number of people hesitant to take the COVID vaccine has reduced from 11.6 crore in November to 6.9 crore in December. But considering India still has 12 crore people left without a single dose, at least 58 per cent of them are vaccine hesitant. The survey was based on 8,600 respondents hailing from 321 districts in the country. As we head into the merriest season of the year, party goers and throwers are asking themselves if they are going to request guests to flash their vaccine certificates.

Akshatha Hegde has lost touch with many friends since she decided she wouldn't be calling unvaccinated friends home

Akshatha Hegde, 32, says she will be doing exactly that. The customer success manager, who threw a Christmas party, made a WhatsApp group, where she proclaimed her vaccination status, and asked everyone if they felt safe being at the party. "I always say, it's not just for me, it's for everyone's safety," she says. Hegde says she has had to make tough decisions this year, after a lot of her friends decided to not take the vaccine for multiple reasons. "I am very clear about my boundaries. I have told them this is their opinion, but I can't meet anyone who is not vaccinated, and neither are they welcome in my house. Somehow, those friendships are now dormant as neither has budged from their stance."

Photographer Gaurav Sawn And wife Riddhi have consciously decided to hang out with vaccinated friends

Dr Anuj Tiwari, a consultant physician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at RN Cooper Hospital, feels it's perfectly understandable if the vaccinated decide to shut their party doors to those who haven't got the jab. "So here's the deal: if one of your friends has recently got the infection, it's safer to call them, as they will have the anti-bodies for at least six months," he says, adding that hosts should insist on an RT-PCR test for the unvaccinated guests. "I don't understand the logic for not getting vaccinated. If you think one vaccine may cause some side-effects, opt for another brand. While the vaccinated may not be completely immune to the virus, they are less likely to get seriously ill or spread the infection with as much gusto. In fact, at a party, the unvaccinated person is at a higher risk of getting severely ill, so it's actually harmful for them to be in any gathering. Even if the current vaccine is not 100 per cent useful against the new variant, Omicron, it is surely going to make sure one doesn't get very sick as data from Western countries is showing."

Dr Anuj Tiwari

For the unvaccinated, even in the face of invitations not extended, personal choice stands supreme. Musician Krishna Marathe, who is unvaccinated, says if it's about personal protection, she has the right to decide if she wants the vaccination or not. When it comes to performing at shows, or going for a party, she is ready to present the results of an RT-PCR test. "Some want to understand the logic [of not taking the vaccine], while others want to simply abide by state instructions. Right now, I'd rather just get a test done. My responsibility is to not be a super spreader and I think taking the test takes care of that."