There can’t be vax exemption for those with disabilities, says virologist

Dr Jacob John

In view of healthcare experts and legal brains insisting on the need for a competent authority to issue ‘certificate of exemption' to those who cannot take vaccines on medical grounds, mid-day spoke to Dr Jacob John, well-known virologist based in Vellore, Tamil Nadu, on areas of concern. Through two reports - ‘What about those who can't take vaccines due to medical reasons?' and ‘Need official body to certify those who can't take COVID-19 vaccine', mid-day had highlighted concerns related to the rights of those who have neurological issues and vaccine allergies. According to experts, the rights of such people were not taken into consideration while drafting COVID-appropriate directives for the public, and the National Health Authority should appoint a team to certify such vulnerable people.

Should the National Health Authority issue ‘certificate of exemption' to those with vaccine allergies?
In politics there is a tendency to underplay or suppress inconvenient facts. This gets reflected in the government's approach towards a lot of things. Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) is one such thing. There are flaws in the system and motivational deficiencies, too. Allergic reactions that may recur and AEFI must be documented as well as certified for future needs.

Do you think policymakers have not considered the concerns of the differently abled and vulnerable groups while drafting COVID rules?
People with any kind of disability (physical or mental) are neglected in all situations. However, when it comes to COVID-appropriate behaviour, the onus is on the family to ensure that they get vaccinated. There cannot be an exemption. COVID guidelines are not particularly worrying.

Who do you think will be responsible for inequality in vaccine distribution?
If you include acceptance as part of distribution, reluctance/hesitancy is a reason for it. When it's individual choice, many may not know the importance of vaccines and may lack acceptance. From the supply point of view, I am not aware of the lack of equity. The more a state utilises, the faster it has to be replenished.

Do you think advocates seeking vaccine equality in Africa and Latin America are blowing the Omicron threat story out of proportion?
That is an unfair/unwanted insinuation. The situation is being used for an argument over vaccine equity. China has promised 1 billion doses to Africa and India has apparently declared a similar intention without saying how much. Have you thought about who should do what? We have a question without clear answers.

Is the global vaccine industry pushing too hard to deliver booster doses even before clinical trial results of its efficacy are published?
There are studies supporting the need and responses to booster doses. I recommend wider use of booster doses.

New variants of COVID-19 will keep coming and impact global health. Your advice on how governments, WHO and the UN should respond
Alpha, Beta, Gamma and Delta were designated variants of concern weeks/months after detection. The same took just two days in case of Omicron. This is mainly because the mutations are too many and early experiences are worrisome.

‘No exemption certification for people in Europe'

Dr Lieve Fransen

Speaking to mid-day, Dr Lieve Fransen, a well-recognised policymaker at a senior management level in the European Union, said, "In Europe, there is no special certification for people who cannot take the vaccine, other than something in writing from a doctor. However, that still does not allow people who have not been vaccinated to behave the way they want to. They have to present a negative PCR test and wear mask of course. Furthermore, allergies have not been proven to be a contraindication for vaccines and there are actually very few medical indications against them."