Healthcare experts are concerned about the differently abled (due to neurological issues) and vulnerable groups with vaccine allergies whose fundamental rights have not been addressed or considered by policy makers while drafting the COVID protocol. Amid the scare of the new Omicron variant, first found in South Africa on November 24, the state government has imposed restrictions on people without vaccinations from travelling in any public mode of transport or visiting shops and establishments, leaving these groups in the lurch. Experts said the national health authorities should come up with a process of certification for such individuals so they can be exempted from hefty fines.

Adverse events following jab

Dr Wiqar Shaikh, Professor of Medicine, Grant Medical College and Sir J J Group of Hospitals, and senior allergy specialist, said that taking vaccine is voluntary and the Central Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has laid conditions for people who are not to take the vaccine. As per the ministry’s website, those who with anaphylactic or allergic reaction to a previous dose of COVID-19 vaccine, or with history of allergic reactions to vaccines, injections, drugs, food items, etc as well as those who are pregnant or lactating are exempt.