Unlike the mRNA vaccines from Pfizer and Moderna, the interim analysis of Phase-3 trial of the Oxford vaccine has shown promise to prevent virus transmission. On the issue of the government shying away from universal vaccination, Dr. Anant Bhan, a researcher in global health and bioethics, says in an email: “We need a clear enunciation of the plan. “If the goal is to achieve herd immunity, we will need about 70% of the population to be covered. Incidentally, the intent behind identifying the high-priority groups to receive the vaccine first was to safeguard them from severe disease and not to break the virus transmission chain. “Breaking the chain of transmission with partial vaccination of populations is not a concept I understand.

Source: The Hindu December 05, 2020 15:56 UTC