Students need vax concession, clear communication

They are now on tenterhooks about the 84-day window and are wondering what is going to happen post the first jab.

Students who are pursuing higher studies overseas in foreign universities have taken their first jab or are eligible to take the first shot of the Corona vaccine. Their problem is that the time window for the second shot is 84 days but they do not have that luxury as many of them have to leave for their studies by mid-July for their term beginning in the fall.

They are now concerned about when they will be able to take their second jab. Covaxin has a time window of four weeks but they are unsure of it being on the World Health Organization (WHO) list by that time. They are now on tenterhooks about the 84-day window and are wondering what is going to happen post the first jab.

We must see communication to allay the extreme anxiety students are facing. Remember that students have remained one of the most vulnerable segments during the outbreak as they have been completely at sea about their future. Constant changes, waiting for announcements, examination fears… the list is simply endless. The Minister for Youth Affairs needs to take this up at the Central level, communicate to the State who in turn can then issue notifications about the shot for students. Communication is key as it brings clarity and, in this way, alleviates stress for students who are on the brink about their future. Concession in the time frame is needed so that these youngsters can go overseas for their studies. What is most important though is that with quick and concise decisions and notifications, illumine the path ahead for these students, so that they are not mired in the waiting game, and in the dark about what exactly to do next.

Here, we hope to see the Centre and State speak first to each other and then directives can be passed down. Let these children not become victims of our familiar passing the buck politics.

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