India's Large Informal Workforce Must Be Prioritised in Our COVID-19 Vaccine Strategy Informal workers are less likely to be vaccinated due to multiple barriers in the existing vaccination framework. Representative image from an inoculation drive. Photo: PTI Rights9 hours ago The COVID-19 pandemic and consequent lockdowns have had a devastating impact on Indiaâs informal sector, which employs a vast majority of the countryâs workforce. Even as India struggles to extend vaccine coverage amid severe shortage and a deadly second wave, it is critical that this process prioritises the millions of informal workers who are at risk of exposure to the virus and also face loss of livelihoods.