Rollout of COVID-19 Vaccination in India: A SWOT Analysis.

Abstract

This study aimed to identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) in the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in India. The internal and external attributes affecting the vaccination rollout identifed by reviewing the scientific literature, government guidelines, and press statements, along with media reports, were categorized into the SWOT matrix. The existing immunization program, indigenous vaccine production, setting up of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19, updated guidelines, and training followed by dry runs were identified as strengths. The weaknesses identified in the program were knowledge gap about vaccines, apprehensions, lack of temperature loggers and vaccine vial monitors, space contraints in health care set up, demand supply gap, and digital divide. The experience of conducting the general elections, intersectoral coordination forged during the pandemic response, Information Technology platform, and vaccine eagerness present opportunities to strengthen the program. The emergence of virus variants, commercial interests, laxity in COVID-19 appropriate behavior, and receding wave of the pandemic can pose significant threats to the implementation of the vaccination campaign. The study identified factors that can aid designing effective measures and countermeasures for the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. This SWOT analysis is relevant to low- and middle-income countries planning to implement the COVID-19 vaccination in the near future.