Government does not intend to vaccinate entire population

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on Tuesday clarified that the Government does intend to vaccinate entire population against COVID-19 and it never said that everyone will be given the vaccine shots.

Talking to reporters here, Director General of ICMR Dr Balram Bhargava said, “It may not be necessary to vaccinate the entire population with Covid-19 vaccine as inoculating a critical mass of people might be enough to break the chain of viral transmission.”  
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan also said a decision is yet to be taken on whether those who have been infected by the disease and recovered need to be administered the vaccine. While this might rationalise vaccine use, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has already said that there is no need to measure anti-bodies before vaccination nor is there a need to find out if a person was infected.
“Our purpose is to break the chain of transmission. So, if we are able to vaccinate a critical mass of people and break the virus transmission then we may not have to vaccinate the entire population," Dr Bhargava said. Asked about a time-line for vaccinating the entire population, Bhushan said the government has not said the entire country will be inoculated with Covid-19 vaccine.
“It's important that we discuss such scientific issues, based on factual information only,” Bhushan said. The government plans to vaccinate around 25-30 crore "priority" population including healthcare and front-line workers, elderly population and those with co-morbidities in around six months once the vaccine is rolled out and available for use.
The National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for Covid-19 is also deliberating on whether people who have already recovered from the disease and carry antibodies need to be inoculated. Dr Bhargava said the matter is under discussion globally and though there is evidence that there may not be any adverse event if those who were infected are vaccinated, it would help the government spare limited doses in the initial phase of vaccination. There is strong evidence so far that those who have been infected are not likely to get Covid-19 again as long as they observe some basic precautions.
“WHO has clearly stated in all its solidarity vaccine trials that we do not need to measure the antibodies or we do not even need to find out whether the person has had Covid. This is what they have said as of now,” Dr Bhargava said.
While preparations are in full swing for procurement, storage, distribution and administration of the Covid-19 vaccine, government continues to stress on the importance of wearing masks even after the vaccine is approved.

“Role of mask is vitally important and that will continue even after the vaccination because we are starting with a small population at a time. Therefore, mask will be protective and continue to be used so as to help in breaking the chain of viral transmission,” Dr Bhargava strongly advocated.