Let’s handle the booster dose better than the first two

As the government and experts talk about first jabs for children between 12 and 18, and boosters for those working in environments with a heavy viral load, it is a waiting game for many

The Big B, as most Indians know has been reserved for one individual, Amitabh Bachchan. Today, though that Big B can also be attributed to the booster dose. The big debate about the booster rages on, with experts, leaders, healthcare workers and ordinary citizens all weighing in on the booster. As the government and experts talk about first jabs for children between 12 and 18, and boosters for those working in environments with a heavy viral load, it is a waiting game for many.

This is out of control for the ordinary person, who can only take the booster, once it is available. What the layperson and administration can do though is to ensure that we learn from the vaccine experience and iron out any of those wrinkles to ensure a smooth experience. We will need to be orderly in our queues, in case they happen, at booster centres. No trying to cut lines or use any so-called influence to try and get ahead in the booster line, this had led to vaccine problems earlier.

We have to remember the fake vaccine scare at a housing society and work assiduously towards preventing any repeat at any part in the city. Be extremely careful if hosting a booster camp like some housing societies did for vaccination, thoroughly whetting all credentials and background. Follow all rules and advice, which one presumes will be the same for the vaccine and the booster. Follow that to the letter, as doctors advised and one must not try shortcuts, or any kind of ill- advised experimentation or self-medication.

Every centre, public or private, must follow guidelines when it comes to booster doses, including pricing policy. While one does understand the challenge of vaccinating such a huge population, we must use our experience wisely and learn lessons, which can be put to use for the booster experience.

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