Dear Express Explained Reader, India started vaccinating the general population this week, starting with those above the age of 60 years and those between the ages of 45 and 60 with associated co-morbidities. As of this morning, more than 2.09 crore people had received Covid-19 shots across the country, including more than 37.5 lakh second doses. A total 14 lakh shots, including both first and second doses, had been administered over the past 24 hours. Through this week, we focussed on answering some of the most common questions that people have been asking about taking the vaccine. Together, these articles constitute a very helpful guide, not just for those who are eligible for the vaccine right now, but also for the rest of us who will hopefully be able to soon receive that shot in the arm, literally, in the global battle against this once-in-a-century crisis. Kaunain Sheriff M described, step-by-step, the process of booking a slot for your dose, including a list of the co-morbidities that make you eligible if you are in the 45-60 age band. Kaunain also recast as an explainer a useful do’s-and-don’ts advisory that the Health Ministry put out answering some frequently asked questions, and Anuradha Mascarenhas listed some of the things that you should know before and after taking the shot. Also this week, Bharat Biotech published interim efficacy data from its phase 3 human clinical trials of Covaxin, one of the two vaccines that are being administered in India. There was some concern that the regulator had skipped steps when the company received emergency use authorisation for its vaccine candidate in January, but the data are very reassuring. Prabha Raghavan summarised the findings, and explained why they are significant. Last month, the government advertised mid-level vacancies in the higher bureaucracy, open to be filled by “talented and motivated” individuals through the “lateral entry” route. Shyamlal Yadav wrote about the idea of lateral entry into government jobs, why the government has chosen to explore this option, and why some opposition parties feel it shorts the constitutionally mandated provisions of reservations for socially and educationally backward classes. Do read. Do also check out the Explained section on The Indian Express website; there is a lot of material there that you are likely to find useful. Stay safe, and do take the Covid-19 shot — as soon as possible if you are already eligible, otherwise as soon as you are eligible. Thank you for reading The Indian Express Explained. Sincerely, Monojit (monojit.majumdar@expressindia.com) If you received this newsletter as a forward, you can subscribe to it here | Do read our Explained articles here | .png)
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