MADHU AGRAWAL
There have been postponement after postponement in providing much-awaited Sputnik as corona-vaccination with large number of youngsters eagerly awaiting introduction of Sputnik. Also huge price-difference between two indigenously developed Covaxin and Covishield has made Covaxin as preferred choice amongst youngsters and others. But Covxin is being provided only as Second Dose in Delhi with most youngsters avoiding Covishield in wait for Sputnik or Covaxin as second choice. Announcement by central government for approval of Moderna and likelihood of Pfizer also coming to India has also confused youngsters to wait for these US-produced popular vaccines.
Such a confused government-policy for corona-vaccination may cause big harm to youngsters and other remaining ones in case any third corona-wave comes to India. Central Government should urgently and immediately ensure immediate introduction of Sputnik since it has already reached India. Likewise efforts should be made so that central government may be in a position to announce exact date of introduction of Moderna and Pfizer corona-vaccines to remove all confusions. Central Government should also ensure adequate supply of Covaxin in Delhi in a manner that First Dose of Covaxin may be available in sufficient quantity with walk-in facility including also at government-centres like was done in initial phase of corona-vaccination. Those requiring vaccination must be provided a choice between Covaxin and Covishield free-of-cost at government-centres apart from at private hospitals.