The Challenge of Vaccine Nationalism

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on global health for almost two years, resulting in nearly 200 million cases and over 4 million deaths worldwide. Despite a range of non-invasive public health measures, (i.e. physical distancing, and masks) vaccines have been one of the more critical and effective interventions to slow the pandemic. Produced at record-breaking speeds, the highly efficacious mRNA vaccines represented hope for many. Including global health organizations who have called for strategies to maximize vaccine equity since their conception. While many high-income countries (HICs) agreed to prioritize global vaccine equity; in truth, individual health outweighed community health. The reality of HICs vaccine purchasing behaviors and distribution have exposed a different agenda - one that aligns with a neoliberal emphasis on individuals and profits at the expense of global good. This commentary questions the efficacy of global health agreements and the commitment from wealthy countries to address global health inequities through a one health framework. Ultimately, concluding that the path to global vaccine equity will require a commitment to global good. Vaccine nationalism and lack of equitable global health policy continues to fuel a never-ending health crisis. HICs must be held accountable for the lack of commitment to global health equity.