Minimising risks of vaccine inequality
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published : 22 Apr 2021 at 04:00
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In this file photo, a healthcare worker prepares a syringe with a dose of Covid-19 vaccine as part of the government's inoculation programme. (Photo by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill)
That Thailand is in the midst of a fast-spreading third wave of Covid-19 infections while public vaccine procurement and rollout remain uncertain is indisputable, despite the government's reassurances otherwise.
While allowing the private sector to import 10 million additional doses of vaccines is welcome, a host of issues need to be thought through and communicated to the public to alleviate concerns of unequal access and profiteering by insiders. To ensure the additional vaccine procurements by the private sector can accelerate vaccine coverage based on fair and equal access, not superseded by money and privileges, the following issues should be addressed and clarified.