COVID-19 vaccine allocation may change over time

Significance

Although COVID-19 vaccine candidates are already in production to speed up delivery, there will be limited doses of vaccines available in the immediate term if one of the eleven candidates currently in last phase clinical trials receives authorisation. Who is vaccinated will not only affect the speed in which this pandemic is brought under control, but also which communities suffer the largest socioeconomic and health scars from it.

Impacts

• International actors such as Gavi and CEPI will try to ensure equitable distribution of vaccines across borders.
• Priority may be based on particular groups’ exposure to the disease, importance to society or economy and political power.
• Universal vaccine coverage will take many years and require prolonged international collaboration.