Analysing a Science Communication Article — Part 2

A well-written booster in appreciation of the efforts taken by the Indian government hand-in-hand with the scientific community as they prepare for the vaccination drive for the second largest and worst affected country in the world due to the pandemic. The article’s title is a question framed to magnify the problem at hand. The booster article throws light on how the scientific community has devised a working plan to complete the task. This article is a one-way communication from the scientific community to the general public. The scientists describe how they have strategically foreseen the chaotic situation and devised effective solutions for vaccinating 1.3 billion people in the Indian subcontinent.

The article is a confidence booster for the society as it describes the previous success of the Indian scientific community by explicitly mentioning the track record of successful immunisation. The article repeatedly emphasises that the scientific community is prepared for the vaccination drive as the government-backed manufacturers are well equipped to supply the necessities during peak demand times. The article also prioritises society’s importance by honouring the frontline workers with the initial jabs, in an organised manner where the worst-hit states get the initial rollout of vaccines.

The next hurdle at hand is monitoring the vaccination drive, which the scientists and government have already devised a plan using ‘aadhar’ and electronically tracking the recipients. The article acknowledges the controversy surrounding the side-effects of the vaccine. However, it does not address the reason behind the reported adverse events, reassures the population that such events are far less than expected and less likely to occur. Moreover, compensation in case of adverse reactions occurring will be provided by the drug manufacturer. Comparing the currently available vaccine across the globe, the booster claims that India’s best suitable one should meet logistic requirements and single in plenty at an affordable cost.

In summary, the article is a booster, following the PAST (Public Appreciation of Science and Technology) model and succeeds in keeping the general public informed about the vaccination drive across the country. The article also communicates the science behind the vaccination from a ‘hard science’ perspective. Although the vaccination has been a long wait, the article fails to address it as ‘hot science’, unlike the previous article. Still, it conveys more information regarding the science community’s ability and government to successfully administer the vaccine.

References:India coronavirus: How do you vaccinate a billion people?