How the UK is Contributing to Health Equity Amidst the Pandemic ?

COVID-19 vaccinations have gone well underway since the end of 2021. The UK was the first country to administer the vaccine to its citizens, and the National Health Service was praised for its pandemic response.

But as the pandemic ensues, public health experts repeatedly warn about the virus' mutations. Thus, despite effective COVID-19 vaccines and mutated versions of the virus, further studies are still ongoing regarding the efficacy of vaccines on the newer variants.

Problems now arise with the spreading of the Omicron variant. With more progressive countries like the UK capable of rolling out vaccines, vaccine inequality arises for less fortunate nations.

Is the UK doing something to help the world’s vaccine inequality? Read more to find out.

The UK and Sharing Surplus Vaccine Doses

Vaccine sharing facility COVAX, in February 2021, began its vaccine rollout to low-income countries. They prioritized frontline health workers and people with co-morbidities.

However, the vaccine rollout started slow, with only 76 million doses distributed, far less than the target 170 million doses. Thus, COVAX lowered its distribution target from 2 billion to only 1.45 billion doses.

health equity


The World Health Organization is pooling efforts to collect donations and surplus vaccines from countries that purchased more than needed. But WHO also orders doses funded by various governments, organizations, and businesses, including the UK, which contributed £250 million from its aid budget.

Consequences of Having Excess Doses

As vaccine rollouts take effect, experts worry about the slow distribution time. Although efforts are tangible, slow vaccine deployment results in wasted doses.

In one report by the Independent, over 600,000 AztraZenecavaccines were disposed of as doses had already expired.

However, the UK is making various efforts to ensure wastage does not become a problem. For example, the country is loosening patent restrictions so counties can begin vaccine production themselves.

 

Although vaccinated, people are not immune to COVID-19 infections. Therefore, as a precaution, contact local pharmacies or clinics that can administer a rapid COVID test in Croydon or a quick COVID test in Carshalton.

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