ABSTRACT
The effectiveness of the vaccines, as well as global distribution and intervention strategies in order to deal with vaccine hesitancy, remain a challenge in both developing and developed countries. Even though several COVID-19 vaccines are used globally in population-wide vaccination campaigns, it has been difficult to achieve population-wide immunity. This paper examines select factors within and between nations that have hampered the ability to achieve this level of immunity, including inequalities in production and distribution among low-, middle-and high-income countries and suggests some possible solutions or policies to address global vaccine hesitancy and the unequal distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. The allocation of COVID-19 vaccines should be based on ethical principles to ensure fair and timely administration. Better health education and communication, as well as planning and equitable vaccine allocation strategies, should be carried out by public health policymakers and stakeholders. A globally coordinated strategy that tackles vaccine inequity may reduce hospitalization and death rates, promote vaccine-induced population-wide immunity, and curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2 before the onset of new SARS-CoV-2 strains that might render ongoing mass vaccination campaigns ineffective. © 2022 by the authors.
ABSTRACT
In response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Italy initially flattened the curve after a stringent lockdown spanning from February 23 to early May but not without casualties, with 240,760 cases and 34,788 deaths on June 30, 2020. However, increasingly lax policies saw rising cases starting in August. Italy currently sits with 423,578 cases and 36,616 deaths (October 20, 2020). This retrospective observational study aimed to assess stringency policies related to nation-wide containment and closure, as well as health system instruments, to determine their potency. The first nationally implemented policy was on January 31, followed by a battery of strong restrictions imposed on February 22-23. The Stringency Index peaked at 93.5 on April 12. However, policies were relaxed following a flattening of the curve on May 4 when the Stringency Index went from 93.5 to 63.0. Italy's policies were essential to contain the spread of the virus initially, but the lax policies since the end of spring, especially related to school reopening, no stay-at-home and domestic travel restrictions, and reduced contact tracing, have now resurrected the COVID-19 pandemic.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide an estimate of the costs of premature mortality caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Design/methodology/approach: Using COVID-19 pandemic-derived mortality data for November 9, 2020 (globally 1,303,215 deaths) and applying a country-based value of statistical life (VSL), the worldwide cost of premature mortality was assessed. The cost was assessed based on income groups until November 9, 2020 and projected into the future until March 1, 2021 using three scenarios from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME). Findings: The global cost of premature mortality is currently estimated at Int$5.9 trillion. For the high-income group, the current estimated cost is Int$ $4.4 trillion or $3,700 per person. Using IHME projections until March 1, 2021, global premature mortality costs will increase to Int$13.7 trillion and reach Int$22.1 trillion if policies are relaxed, while the cost with 95% universal masks is Int$10.9 trillion. The richest nations will bear the largest burden of these costs, reaching $15,500 per person by March 1, 2021 if policies are relaxed. Originality/value: The cost of human lives lost due to the pandemic is unprecedented. Preparedness in the future is the best policy to avoid many premature deaths and severe recessions in order to combat pandemics. © 2020, Jaime A. Teixeira da Silva and Panagiotis Tsigaris.