A mammoth effort

Issue of public trust in the vaccines must be addressed

India’s massive vaccination programme for Covid-19 has begun its roll-out, with health care workers being given priority in the first phase. Almost 200,000 such workers were given a shot on the first day, although problems have surfaced with the digital platform designed to oversee the programme and register individuals due for a vaccination. Unlike most other countries, India has not set aside the initial shots for those most at risk, namely the elderly — perhaps because of difficulties in targeting. Either way, it is clear that controversies about prioritisation are likely to emerge soon. Already, multiple sectors are seeking to