Vaccine Rollouts Around the World: Comparison and Lessons Learned
The roll out of various Covid-19 vaccines around the world have revealed several lessons that can guide countries and regions as they administer their own vaccines. Below are some key observations on the vaccine rollouts:
1.Timing is Important
The timing of the vaccines is significant. Vaccines administered too early, without having enough of the entirety of the population of a country vaccinated, can lead to a resurgence of the virus due to a lack of Herd Immunity. A delayed rollout can mean longer wait times for citizens and possibly a wider spread in the population. Thus, countries and regions must be careful to balance the risks of both scenarios effectively.
2.Adequate Supply Necessary
Having adequate supply of vaccines on hand is critical for a successful rollout. Without enough doses, it can take longer to move through prioritised groups and more citizens may be exposed to the virus. Countries with enough supply of vaccines have been able to vaccinate a larger percentage of their populations than those who are still waiting on additional doses.
3.Proper Infrastructure Equally Important
On top of having enough supply of the vaccines, proper infrastructure is necessary to successfully administer the doses. Vaccine sites must be set up, staffed, and equipped with the necessary technology to coordinate the distribution of the doses. If not properly organised, there can be unforeseen delays and backlogs in the vaccine rollout for citizens, who may not receive the vaccine in a timely fashion.
4.Schedule and Prioritisation
To manage the rollout in an efficient way, countries and regions create schedules detailing who will be vaccinated and when, as well as priority groups, so that those most at risk can be safely vaccinated first. Countries with efficient schedules, who have already identified the most vulnerable populations, have been better able to move through their vaccine rollouts more quickly.
The lessons learned from various vaccine rollouts around the world can be used to inform the decisions of countries and regions as they administer their own vaccines. Timing, supply, infrastructure, and prioritisation are all essential considerations for successful and efficient vaccinations. With proper attention given to these factors, countries can achieve the best possible vaccine rollout for their citizens.
