It is too early to assume that the lethal COVID-19 virus has lost its sting and is incapable of creating another world-wide pandemic situation. On the contrary, scientists have recently discovered a new Omicron variant. In America, cases of COVID-related hospitalisations have increased by 30 per cent in recent times. COVID cases are on the rise in China too, where the government’s efforts to impose fresh restrictions have faced stiff resistance from citizens, while the UK recently saw a spike in infections of the lethal virus. Several other countries are also vulnerable as these nations have failed to implement the immunisation programme successfully. In comparison, though the situation appears relatively better in India, the country should not show any complacency as the threat is still looming large. The world needs to fight the menace unitedly to prevent the spread of the virus as it travels easily from country to country through people to people contact. This is why, every country should remain vigilant round the clock as bringing the world to a standstill by imposing lock down is an impractical approach. Thus, it is the responsibility of every nation to prevent the spread of the virus. In-order to prevent the resurgence of horrific experiences of the pandemic, nations should be on their toes to deny the virus any chance of creating world-wide havoc once again.
In achieving the goal, countries should not be driven by a false sense of accomplishment. Rather, nations should make an all-out effort to provide immunity to the people, especially vulnerable sections of society in the form of vaccination or other means. Some experts advocate for a uniform vaccination policy to ensure that no country is left behind in this crucial battle to save mankind. Till such a policy is framed, the World Health Organisation (WHO) should keep watch against any complacency that may be shown by countries, by providing adequate vaccines to all nations. At present, countries have taken different approaches in implementing vaccination programmes. Countries like United States of America (USA) and United Kingdom (UK) are administering the fourth shot to people aged above 50, while Germany and France are providing the same to people over 60 years of age. Australia is still urging the relatively younger generation belonging to the 30-49 age group to get vaccinated.
In India too, notwithstanding the initial success, vaccination drive is yet to achieve desired results as the urgency shown in the beginning to vaccinate citizens seems to be fading away. As a result, only 68 per cent of the country’s eligible population has received two mandatory doses, while a mere 25 per cent have taken the booster dose at a time when some nations have started administering the fourth dose. India will have to catch up with these countries in-order to help ensure a COVID-free environment. The need of the hour is to revive the vaccination drive at the right earnest as the battle against COVID is not over yet.