42 per cent of those eligible currently unwilling to take the booster dose: LocalCircles

Of those eligible, 14 per cent are unlikely to take it while 28 per cent of them are awaiting more information

The country has witnessed a decline in daily COVID cases, coupled with a decline in Test Positivity Rates weeks after a surge that recorded nearly 350,000 daily cases. With daily reported cases now around 150,000, medical experts are stating that most major cities have already witnessed the peak of the 3rd wave, and the numbers are declining. The Health Ministry has highlighted the importance of vaccination in reducing COVID-related deaths, hospitalisations and severe symptoms on multiple occasions.

The vaccination drive for a precaution dose or 3^rd dose started on January 10^th, 2022 for priority groups, including frontline workers and senior citizens with co-morbidities. The decision was taken after 2 doses of vaccines were found to provide limited immunity against Omicron. However, the demand for the booster/precaution dose has been low. As of February 3^rd, only 1.25 crore precaution doses have been administered. The Indian Medical Association recently stated that hesitancy for the precaution dose was mainly among paramedics in the healthcare workers category. These include nurses, therapists, technicians and other ancillary personnel involved in medical services.

LocalCircles has conducted a survey to understand why the eligible population has not taken the precaution dose.

Of those who are eligible and still haven’t taken the precaution dose, 58 per cent of them likely to take in the coming months

The survey asked citizens, “Why have you or members of your family not taken the precaution/booster dose of COVID vaccine yet?” In response, 29 per cent of citizens said “Those eligible had Omicron-COVID so they plan to take it later” and another 29 per cent said “Those eligible did not have Omicron-COVID and are just waiting for daily cases to reduce to take the dose”. There were also 8 per cent who said “Those eligible to take the precaution/booster dose believe that the vaccine isn’t helpful and do not plan to take it” and 6 per cent said “Those eligible haven’t taken any COVID vaccine dose so far as they are hesistant.” 28 per cent said “Those eligible haven’t taken the precaution/bootser dose are awaiting data to see if it is effective and then take it”. On an average, of those who are eligible and still haven’t taken the precaution dose, 58 per cent of them likely to take in the coming months. On the other hand, 14 per cent of the eligible citizens are hesitant and 28 per cent say that they are awaiting more data.  This question in the survey received 9,986 responses.

81 per cent of the citizens surveyed want the government to include vaccination for children and precaution dose in the “Har Ghar Dastak” program

The survey asked citizens, “To minimise crowding at vaccination centers given the surge in cases, should the government include precaution dose and vaccination for children in the “Har Ghar Dastak” program immediately?” In response, only 14 per cent of Indian citizens said “No” while the majority of 81 per cent said “Yes” and 5 per cent did not have an opinion. This question received 10,112 responses.

In summary, the demand for precaution dose is currently low with only 1.25 doses administered in over 3 weeks. Although 58 per cent of those eligible are likely to take it in the months to come, 42 per cent are currently unsure or hesitant. Of this 42 per cent, 14 per cent are unlikely to take it. Of the 58 per cent, there are 29 per cent eligible people who have said that they have had COVID during the 3^rd wave and hence they must wait and take it later. The other 29 per cent are likely to take it as cases reduce.

The Central and State Governments must ensure that the benfits of the precaution dose are communicated to the eligible citizens more effectively. The government must also consider adding precaution doses and vaccination for children to the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ programme. This confrimed by the findings of the survey as 81 per cent Indians were found in favour this move. It has proven successful in accelerating first and second dose vaccination and it is time the Government consider including the precaution dose in it along with vaccination for children.

LocalCircles will share the findings of the survey with government stakeholders so that Central and State Governments can take appropriate action.