Topic: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
4. As experts ring the alarm bells of an imminent third wave, there is a definite need to ramp up vaccinations across the country. A dilemma however pertains regarding the vaccination strategy for children. Discuss the deliberations that must be considered to vaccinate children in India. (250 words)
Difficulty level: Tough
Reference: Live Mint
Why the question:
An expert panel, set up by an institute under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), has predicted a third wave of COVID-19 hitting the country anytime between September and October and suggested significantly ramping up vaccination pace.
Key Demand of the question:
To write about the consideration that must be taken in to account regarding the vaccination strategy for Children.
Directive word:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you must debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You must give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction:
Begin by giving context of the recent report of expert panel about the third wave and its recommendations to prepare for it.
Body:
Mention the importance of ramping vaccinations in order to prevent a third wave or minimise its impact.
Next, write about areas of concern with respect handling of covid-19. Pseudo standard treatment guidelines (STG), Use of unproven medicines, over-treating leading to major side effects etc.
Mention about countries that have already started vaccinating children. Bring out the considerations to have a fool proof vaccination policy for Children. Evidence based policy making, robust trials, considering comorbid children, negating popular or influential calls to vaccinate in haste.
Conclusion:
Conclude by underling that a proper vaccination strategy must go hand in hand with other preventative strategies to reduce the impact of the third wave.
