Nishka Srinivas Veluvali –
Published On: November 26, 2021 at 19:40 IST
The Delhi High Court on 25 November, questioned the Union Government regarding the necessity of the Vaccine Boostershots, which are being given in other countries such as the United States and those in Europe.
The Bench consisting of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh ordered the Centre to file an Affidavit upon consulting the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) on whether booster shots are needed in India or not.
The Court stated, “The decision should not be based on economics because no doubt it is an expensive proposition and the government is doing it free for most and not many people are having to pay for it. Maybe that is the consideration that the government does not want to give this at this stage, but then we don’t want to land in a situation that we are overly conservative on this, and we land up in a situation like we were in the second wave. We will actually lose the advantage of this vaccination.”
“Many people, especially senior citizens who are comorbid are concerned to know whether they need booster shot or not and when it would be allowed”, the Bench questioned.
The Court also mentioned that there are unused vaccine doses whose shell life will expire in some time.
The Bench also asked regarding the decision about the vaccination for the children below 18 years.
In the hearing, Justice Sanghi expressed the ‘concerns’ of a part of a medical community that the nation might face another onslaught, if the boosters are not permitted.
“It needs to be looked into. How is it that the western world is encouraging boosters, getting boosters, and we are not even permitting those who voluntarily want to take it?” he added.
The Bench mentioned AIIMS Director Dr.Guleria’s statement which he stated on Tuesday, “Booster shots are not required in India immediately and the possibility of third wave is declining day by day.”
The Delhi High Court has asked the Government to clear up this confusion regarding the booster shots and if it is required, then submit a report with a dedicated timeline of the proposed rollout of booster shots.