ABSTRACT
Despite the growing protectionist policies from major developed and developing countries, multinational corporations (MNCs) tend to adjust their current efficiency-oriented global value chains (GVCs) to more resilient ones, instead of reshoring overseas businesses back home. In this respect, this chapter seeks to introduce a comprehensive framework across four directions: agile response, alternative routes, diversification, and sustainability orientation, for establishing resilient GVCs in the pandemic era. In reviewing and reorganizing the suggestions of existing studies, this chapter argues firms need to be more globalized while maintaining the key principles of GVCs. As such, countries will also need to improve their national business environment and make it more attractive for firms to locate parts of the entire GVCs in their countries. This chapter takes two countries: Vietnam and Singapore - as examples which have been widely recognized as successful countries that have opened up their economies and utilized international resources for economic development. This chapter shows that despite the potential challenges from the global pandemic, both countries tend to push forward the globalization of their economy and introduce various measures, such as strengthening the global relations with other economies and investments for digital transformations, to upgrade their positions in the GVCs. © 2022 by World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: As of 05/27/21, 50.5% of the United States population had initiated COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccination rates, safety and efficacy among those on active chemotherapy are not well published. As a first step towards improving cancer patient care, we explored vaccination rates among patients on active chemotherapy to gain insights on its utilization in this population and improve care of cancer patients. Methods: On 01/23/21, McKesson Specialty Health deployed a COVID Vaccine Administration survey within its iKnowMed electronic health record platform. Cancer patients who answered the survey with ongoing chemotherapy 30 days prior to or after 01/01/21 and ≥2 office visits between 01/01/21 and 05/27/21 were included in the study. Self-reported and onsite vaccination, brand, and COVID-19–related information were recorded. Chi-squared tests were used to determine significant differences between groups. Results: Selection criteria yielded 50,423 patients. The study population was 55% female (n=27,923) with a median age of 68 years (min, max 20, 80+). Approximately 60% (n=11,867) reported initiating vaccination, and 40% (n=7,797) reported being fully vaccinated. The majority of patients reported having received the vaccine by Pfizer (52%, n=10,275), followed by Moderna (45%, n=8,836), Janssen (3%, n=540), and AstraZeneca <1%. Vaccination rates did not differ significantly between females (39%, n=10,799) and males (39%, n=8,865). Patients aged ≤69 years had a significantly lower rate than those older (34%, n=8,928 vs 44%, n=10,736;p<0.0001). Patients with metastatic disease had a significantly higher vaccination rate than those without metastasis (40%, n=14,591 vs. 36%, n=5,073;p<0.0001). Conclusions: This study marks an initial review of the first 6 months post emergency use authorization of COVID-19 vaccinations. The survey responses could not be validated with external data sources. Continued research is needed to investigate reasons for lower rates, adverse effects, and treatment selection, and to monitor patient outcomes amongst vaccinated patients on chemotherapy.