The Covid-19 challenge has promoted the international collaboration of researchers, scientists, private funders, and regulators to face it. A global Chain has been developed for the production of Covid-19 vaccines around the world without any compromise with safety and efficiency. The supportive approvals, responsible regulatory system, and hard-working scientists have been credited for developing effective vaccines in less than 12 months. This defies history and sets forwards a strong example. Now, with the threat of the Omicron variant, a new discussion over the use of booster dose has been initiated.
It is vital to upkeep this collaborative chain for the future to develop, produce and commercially distribute vaccines, not just limited to Covid-19. This will need a functional, end-to-end supply chain with proper transportation, storage, handling, and waste management systems.
Developing constructive partnerships and accepting risks:
The pandemic has highlighted the significance of partnerships at every level for the successful development of vaccines. An important credit goes to the businesses who agreed to take risks and gave investments at the time of need. At the same time, the regulatory authorities developed a responsible chain and streamlined the process for approval of the vaccines. This was a significant step in tackling an unforeseen situation. The newly developed ecosystem should be maintained for dealing with future health crises other than coronavirus. The skilled workers also play an important role in this procedure. So, this skilled workforce should be kept in reserve to facilitate vaccine manufacturers in mass production coping with new demands.
Upkeep the global chain of vaccine production for the future–
The pandemic is now gradually turning into an epidemic. It has more impact on regional levels. Also, many nations have now reached a satisfactory level of vaccination. It is important to take note now that the pace of vaccine production does not decrease at this point. There are some countries with high levels of Covid-19 reinfection risk and some are dealing with the virus. But, it cannot be denied that the virus can take a more threatening form at any point again in the future.
Countries should continue with the development of vaccines at the same pace in the backdrop to deal with future challenges. The Covid-19 pandemic has given a lesson to the nations for supporting health and vaccine research, promoting development, and improving accessibility to prevent future crises. A robust global Chain for vaccine development involving developers, producers, manufacturers, regulators, and distributors, etc should be sustained.
Equal distribution of vaccines to everyone-
The vaccine development in a short time frame is an unprecedented success and a big achievement for science and technology. But, the big nations and vaccine-producing nations have been criticized for unequal distribution of vaccines. The emergence of new variants also highlights the inequality because vaccine-deprived nations are more prone to the new threat.
The Omicron variant has emerged from Africa, where less than 7% of the population is unvaccinated. This emergence of the threat from Africa keeps the largely unvaccinated population prone to the deadly virus in the spotlight. So, vaccine manufacturing nations need to share knowledge, technology, and vaccines to all regions for managing unforeseen challenges. International cooperation to help and fund the Middle and low-income countries is important from the global perspective to prevent risk to health.
Dealing with vaccine Hesitancy-
Despite the remarkable hard work incurred by the vaccine researchers and mass production and supply, the demand is low. The demand for vaccines witnessed an increase during the peak of the second wave, but apart from it, the demand is low. The reason for it is the widespread vaccine Hesitancy among the masses.
This poses a threat to global health and a barrier in dealing with the pandemic. Lack of trust in government, rumours, fears about side effects, lack of communication, low accessibility, misinformation, and personal reservations are some of the reasons for vaccine Hesitancy. It is vital to address the issue with improved communication methods and an effective approach to instil trust in the masses. Some kind of basic non-financial incentives and communication about benefits of immunization with Healthcare workers addressing the doubts or fears related to vaccines can be effective.
Finally, the new variants of Covid-19 are bringing up new challenges for vaccines. The unpredictability and lack of knowledge on these variants are bringing up unforeseen challenges for the vaccine. The global vaccine chains should upkeep the global collaboration developed during Covid-19 for future challenges.
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