Thread by @DrLahariya

There is so much of discussion going on around that #private sector should be involved in #COVID #vaccination drive. #PrivateSector is already involved.

This thread is to discuss some of these aspects. (1/n)

@Milan_reports @snehamordani @epigiri @sujakrao @oommen @amitabhk87

https://twitter.com/IndiaToday/status/1363829535481896965

Of total existing 10k vaccination centres, 2k are already in private sector.

There is plan to and would need more to come up in private sector when needed 50k are set up.

So, private sector is involved. 2/n

The discussion is happening as if involvement of pvt sector facilities will change everything.

The current challenge is not the shortage of facilities or vaccination centres but ‘hesitancy’ of people to come forward to get vaccination.

The challenge is different.

All those who r shouting from rooftop not saying how and what private sector will and can do to tackle and contribute the vaccine hesitancy and encourage people to get vaccinated?

(4/n)

Now, a few have been propagating that 500 million people can be vaccinated in 2 months.

That is possible only if 1 billion doses are available.
does India hv access to that many doses?
Who will foot the bill for that many doses, uS$ 3 to 4 billion ?
(5/n)

Even if that many doses are available, is it ‘morally’ and ethically acceptable for a nation to indiscriminately vaccinate people when health workers in test of the world wait for their shots?

#VaccineEquity

@RemaNagarajan @abantika77 @kaunain_s

(6/n)

All those arguing for such large scale vaccination estimated:
At that rate, how many minor and serious AEFI per day will be reported?
How a vaccination program can be completely derailed by a single adverse events?

Clearly, more careful and nuanced approach is needed?

(7/n)

If such a large health workforce is diverted for single task of vaccination, who will take care of routine health care services, which are already affected?

It is easy to come up fancy ideas of assembly line of vaccination in open tent, is there any past experience ?

(8/n)

Then, insistence and demand that vaccine should made available for sale in private market.

Can anyone answer why?

If it was to be sold in private sector, for those who can afford& get vaccinated, then why months hv been spent by experts to develop priority list?

(9/n)

India’s vaccination priority list hv been prepared with purpose: to use the vaccine
a. Protect those- health & essential services workers- so they do not get infected & services continued.
b. To reduce mortality by vaccinating high risk population.

(10/n)

Sale of vaccine in private market will not serve any purpose. It will go to those who are unlikely to benefit.

It may give rich an opportunity to jump the queue, get vaccinated earlier than those in need.

That will be a pity.

11/n

Availability of vaccines on payment for those in priority list but want to pay is a different story.

However, We know that the track record of all those who can afford, when it comes to make payment, when same service is accessible free also, is not encouraging.

(12/n)

Thus,
1. Focus on vaccine hesitancy.
2. Scale up vaccination centres
3. Involve all stakeholders, including pvt sector in process
4. Vaccinate identified priority groups
5. No on payment vaccination for those not in list
6. Learn & strengthen AEFI system.

(13/n)

All stakeholders r needed.
There is enough expertise to guide the process.
Early experience from countries which have started vaccination indicates cases going down.

Let’s expert decide on the vaccination target group, approach and related aspects.

(14/n)

@soniandtv

Finally, strategy for #covid-19 vaccination has to be dynamic & not ‘knee jerk’.

May be special strategies needed for vaccination in sustained high transmission cities, districts and states.

May be, in cities with international airports.

May be, if new strain emerges.

(15/n)

Bottomline is:
Starting March 2021, Ppl who r in any of d priority list & willing to get vaccinated, shud get #COVID19 #vaccine on request, without wait for even 1day. #India

India has ability to do so, undoubtably.

@drharshvardhan @PMOIndia @GKangInd

#TillWeWin

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