Be safe than sorry

The Government of India has given its approval to two vaccines. Covishield has been launched by the Oxford University and pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca. It is being produced by the Serum Institute of India. It has been cleared for usage by the UK Government also.

The other vaccine approved is Covaxin, being launched by the Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech, with the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The results of the Phase three trials of Covaxin, have not been made public. Efficacy data of the vaccine has not been released. So, health experts cannot review it. It may be wise for India, not to clear any vaccine, unless all tests and regulations, as dictated by global heath protocols are complete. The Serum Institute of India is holding an inventory of 50 million doses of this vaccine. Earlier, there was a plan to announce the launch of this vaccine by 15 August 2020, India’s Independence Day.

India with a population of 1.4 billion, has had 10.3 million COVID-19 cases, with over 150,000 deaths. Hence there may be an urgency to launch some vaccines quickly in the country. However, the vaccines must carry credibility. Credibility will be determined by complete transparency and adhering to every protocol.

China and Russia have also not released the trial data of their vaccines. If they do, it will increase their credibility and widespread usage. Developing countries in Asia and Africa, which cannot afford the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines at around USD 40 per dose, will benefit immensely from the economically priced vaccines. However the precondition is absolute transparency and release of all trial data.

Since human lives are involved, no short cuts should be deployed. All vaccines should also need the blessings of WHO, in addition to those from local authorities.  

Rajendra Aneja
Mumbai, India