[COVID Vaccines] Are booster shots necessary? Delhi High Court asks Centre

The Delhi High Court has asked the Central government to clarify on the efficacy and requirement of COVID vaccine booster shots which have been advocated and are being administered in many western countries (Rakesh Malhotra & Ors. vs. GNCTD)..The Division Bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Jasmeet Singh took note of the conflicting reports emerging on booster shots and therefore, directed the Union of India to consult with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and file an affidavit with regard to whether or not there is a need for booster shots in India."With regard, to the need and efficacy of the booster dose, there are those who have been completely vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus. We can take cognizance of the fact that typical western countries like the US permit and also advocate the use of boosters. That is how they have been able to control it. On the other hand, there are also reports that experts represent that there is no medical science to support the administration of these shots. Due to the aforesaid view, there is a lot of concern among people. Particularly those in their old age or suffering from diseases. There are also reports that a large number of doses are lying unutilised and will expire in some time. Another aspect to be included in the affidavit is the vaccination of children below 18. Let an affidavit be filed and the same would be considered to roll out if necessary," the Court ordered. The order was passed in view of the concerns raised about an overwhelming stock of vaccines that lying unutilised and apprehensions about whether lack of a booster shot might fritter away the work done up until now on vaccinating citizens. "A lot of vaccine stocks are all set to expire. Contradictory reports are also coming with regards to booster shots. On one hand, we have Dr. Guleria's statement and on the other we have all of the West, which is advocating giving a booster, not even voluntarily. Thus, we need to know from experts. There has to be some serious thought given to this. We don't want to land up in a situation like the Second Wave. If we don't act in time, we might lose all the advantage of this investment we've put in," the Court observed.The Court also directed the Delhi government to file a status report with regards to its progress on aspects like the Health Management System software which aimed to integrate Delhi's hospitals on a real-time basis."Let the Delhi Government file a status report with regards to updating the availability of hospital beds vis-a-vis the number of people on its website along with the steps taken towards ensuring a system that works efficiently. Amicus Curiae Rajshekhar Rao also insists that the status with regards to the health management system software be indicated."The Court was hearing a plea filed by advocate Rakesh Malhotra highlighting various issues concerning the COVID-19 crisis. At the outset, Amicus Curiae Rajshekhar Rao apprised the Court that things were mostly on track with regard to the COVID website,Delhifightscorona.in., except a few issues which had been flagged by him.The Court then spoke of the emerging global need for a booster shot and directed the government to seriously look into the aspect of COVID-19 booster shots, also known as "third vaccine dose."To this, Rao reckoned, "Your Lordship is right. A substantial chunk of the world is propagating a booster."On behalf of the Delhi government, Senior Advocate Rahul Mehra added,"In US, UKA, they've started giving boosters. ICMR can indicate whether or not a booster is required. I've heard reports of people in India also getting these boosters. If it is happening, we might as well give a legitimate system to it."In response, Central Government Standing Counsel Anurag Ahluwalia stated that he would enquire as to whether or not there is a policy to that effect and place the same on record.The Court, therefore, proceeded to order the Centre to file an affidavit and posted the matter for hearing on December 14.The Court in its order, also recorded the data given by Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLSA),"According to the data given to us by the DSLSA, 25,644 deaths deaths were caused due to COVID in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. With the assistance of DSLSA, 4,016 applications have been filed by dependents for ex-gratia reimbursement."The Court further directed the Delhi government to ensure that the information, orders, data and statistics related to COVID-19 are updated on its website periodically. .No reasonable justification for LG to object to HPC looking into cause of deaths during COVID-19 pandemic: Delhi High Court told