Vaccine reluctance

Ref.: 'Vaccination needs popular support' (January 21). Typically in our country, the public is reluctant to visit a doctor, even for a routine check-up. Only in extreme conditions do they rush to the doctor. This may be due to the cost of consultancy charges and medicines, coupled with a sense of ‘distrust’ of the medical profession as practised in our country. Doctors at vaccination centres should understand the medical history of the person, and examine them thoroughly for any extreme conditions and only then allow them to take the vaccine. There is a report from a medical practitioner that over 50 per cent of Indians have already developed natural immunity to the virus. No doubt the Government campaign is praiseworthy; but it should not be carried out in a haphazard way.