We have to get it right: Ensuring success

• Authors: Ali H. Mokdad, University of Washington; Peter J. Hotez, Texas Childrens Hospital; Walter Orenstein, Emory University
• Journal Title: eClinicalMedicine: Part of THE LANCET Discovery Science
• Volume: Volume 31
• Publisher: Elsevier | 2021-01-28, Pages 100690-100690
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2020.100690
• Subjects: Biology, Biostatistics; Biology, Bioinformatics; Health Sciences, Health Care Management; Psychology, Psychometrics
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Medicine, General & Internal; General & Internal Medicine

Abstract

In the span of a few weeks, promising results from three Covid-19 vaccine candidates trials were reported. In the United States (US), efforts to develop and deliver vaccines is under Operation Warp Speed (OWS). News of safe, effective Covid-19 vaccines injected a dose of optimism into a pandemic-stricken world. However, vaccinations—not vaccines—save lives [1]. The National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine [2]. Framework focused on initial vaccine access for healthcare workers and first responders followed by selected populations considered at greatest risk for contracting the virus or experiencing complications. The report is both thoughtful and timely but may require further details to monitor progress during the rollout of the vaccines. Here we offer suggestions to ensure success to this umprecedented public health challenge.