Abstract
In the presence of a rapidly progressing pandemic, rapid mitigating measures must be taken to curb further spread of disease. One such measure is the development of vaccines targeted at the disease of interest to induce immunity, preventing further disease transmission. Immunization is the process of rendering an individual immune to a disease, usually via the act of inoculation, or vaccination. Vaccinations provide both direct protection (to immunized individuals) as well as indirect protection (via herd immunity). While essential in the resolution of any pandemic, the “me first” mentality will result in inequitable distribution of vaccines amongst countries and regions. This vast disparity in vaccine distribution will result in far greater global mortality, and measures must be put in place to ensure equitable vaccines allocation.
Highlights
In an ideal world, all diseases should be eradicated to prevent harm to the human race
Barriers to immunization among disadvantaged groups are not addressed through government policies, governance, or program implementation. These remain some of the challenges that will be faced and must be mitigated before equitable immunization strategies can take place, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic
It is clear that immunization equity is the most effective strategy to minimize mortality in a pandemic
Summary
All diseases should be eradicated to prevent harm to the human race. This can only be done if (1) there exist an effective intervention to interrupt transmission of pathogens, (2) availability and accessibility of extremely sensitive and specific diagnostic tools to detect asymptomatic infection and (3) humans must be essential in the life cycle of the pathogen [1]. Smallpox is a prime example, with the World Health Organization (WHO) declaring smallpox eradicated in 1980. Eradication of disease is practically difficult with ideal conditions that may prove impossible to be met. With equitable distribution of vaccines and continued transmission mitigating measures, the world can eventually achieve disease elimination rather than disease control alone
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