The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Invited Commentary

Commentary on “Rethinking the International Response System to Global Health Threats: Strengthening International Collaboration to Ensure Vaccine Equity and Combat Vaccination Hesitancy”

Authors: Steven T. Baldwin, MD

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates remain insufficient to achieve worldwide herd immunity with respect to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus. Two issues are primarily responsible for this. Many countries want to achieve herd immunity through mass vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 virus but do not have the resources to do so. These countries may have a great supply of willing arms but have an insufficient supply of vaccine doses and/or other resources necessary to distribute and administer the needed vaccine doses to achieve herd immunity. Ironically, and sadly, many resource-rich countries, particularly the United States, have abundant vaccination supplies but limited numbers of individuals willing to receive vaccinations.
Posted in: Infectious Disease156

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