BENGALURU: Many healthcare workers who have already received two doses of Covishield are now taking a shot of Covaxin and are using a different telephone number and ID to register for the third jab.
Some doctors justified the behaviour saying: “These people work in areas where the viral load is high. They didn’t have a choice when the vaccines were rolled out but now there is better understanding of the two vaccines. What is wrong if a healthcare worker takes another shot?”
When the vaccination drive was rolled out for healthcare workers in January, employees in only six government institutions in Karnataka were administered Covaxin, while the rest were given Covishield.
Stray incidents of doctors dying even after receiving two doses may be another reason to seek a booster dose, said a doctor. “Also, many healthcare workers have taken antibody tests 28 days after two doses of Covishield. In some cases, the results were negative. These healthcare workers are now keen on taking Covaxin,” doctors said.
Denying others
Dr MK Sudarshan, chairperson, Covid Technical Advisory Committee, said he is aware of the trend and while he believed they were acting out of fear and seeking better protection, he admitted they were denying others of immunity. “Covaxin is based on whole inactivated [killed] virus, which is expected to provide better immune response as all antigens are likely to be present,” Dr Sudarshan said. “But, by seeking over protection for themselves amid a shortage of vaccine, they are robbing those in need of the vaccine of an opportunity to gain protection against the virus.”
A member of the Covid expert committee called the trend “unhealthy”. “This should not lead to confusion among the general public who have taken Covishield,” the expert said.
Staff in Bengaluru hospitals suggest there are enough doses to go around since not all taking the shot are concerned about certificates. “Moreover, since the manufacturer factors in spillage, all vials come with an additional dose [11th dose]. If used carefully, the 11th dose can be made available and it would go unrecorded. It’s a loophole which some are seeking to exploit,” sources said.
Not Karnataka alone
The trend is not limited to Karnataka alone. Dr T Jacob John, top virologist from Tamil Nadu, said he had heard of such incidents in that state. “I was asked by some doctors if there were any risks. I said I can’t make any recommendations or approve what they were doing,” said Dr John.
But Dr John said interchanging vaccines is scientifically fine. “There is nothing called over-immunisation. Two doses of Covishield and one dose of Covaxin would help them feel emotionally good,” he said.
Empirical evidence
Dr Sudarshan said interchanging doses was tried (with one dose each) in France, Spain and Germany with vaccines like AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Moderna. “In India there are no guidelines and no evidence. However, there is empirical evidence from our experience with anti-rabies vaccines,” said Dr Sudarshan.
However, Dr Sudarshan said exceptions can be made for those who suffer anaphylaxis reaction after the first dose. Other experts agreed, citing the example of a dental student who suffered an adverse event following immunization. “She was given Covishield. She is a fit case for giving two doses of Covaxin now,” said doctors dealing with the case.
