Study finds significant global disparities in COVID-19 vaccine accessibility
Published: 11 March 2025
Research offering unprecedented insights into global vaccine distribution patterns has found significant disparities in COVID-19 vaccination accessibility - identifying 'vaccine deserts' in both high and low income countries.
Research offering unprecedented insights into global vaccine distribution patterns has found significant disparities in COVID-19 vaccination accessibility - identifying 'vaccine deserts' in both high and low income countries.
Findings have been shared from a survey of 54 countries/regions, undertaken by experts at the University of Glasgow, University of Hong Kong, University College London and Kyung Hee University.
Although barriers to access have previously been investigated in low and low-median income countries (LMICs), this study identified 'vaccine deserts' in both high income countries (HICs) and LMICs. For example, in Manitoba (Canada), Zimbabwe and Bhutan, more than 70% of residents experienced travel times exceeding one hour to reach their nearest vaccination location.
Economic factors exhibited significant associations with vaccine accessibility. Higher-income countries/regions generally exhibited high vaccine access, although notable exceptions were observed. Luxembourg, despite its high GDP per capita, demonstrated limited vaccine accessibility, whereas New Brunswick (Canada) achieved comprehensive accessibility despite its low GDP per capita. This analysis indicates that vaccine accessibility patterns are associated with healthcare infrastructure configuration and policy implementation, rather than solely by economic resources.
The analysis of health outcomes revealed complex relationships with vaccine accessibility. Countries/regions with enhanced vaccine access generally achieved higher vaccination rates, with several notable exceptions. For instance, the United Arab Emirates and Singapore maintained high vaccination rates despite moderate accessibility levels, attributable to effective public health policies.
In addition, the relationship between vaccine accessibility and COVID-19 mortality demonstrated varied patterns.
Island nations, such as Australia and New Zealand, exhibited substantial increases in mortality rates after border reopening in 2021, despite their high vaccination site accessibility. These patterns illustrate the complex interplay between initial border control measures and subsequent mortality outcomes during different pandemic phases.
Co-investigator Dr Qunshan Zhao, of the University of Glasgow's Urban Big Data Centre, said: “This research presents evidence-based insights into health policy implementation for both local and global health initiatives. The comparative analysis across countries/regions demonstrates effective strategies for enhancing vaccine accessibility in future pandemic responses. The findings also emphasize the significance of international collaboration and systematic healthcare infrastructure planning in achieving equitable vaccine distribution.”
Dr Yanjia Cao, of the University of Hong Kong, said: “This is the first study to investigate and compare geographic accessibility to COVID-19 vaccination at the subnational level across multiple countries/regions. The contribution goes beyond a single country or a country-level global health study. We also hope our work is visible to public health scientists and recognize the importance of geography ingredients while combating a global pandemic. COVID-19 was not the first pandemic, and it will not be the last either. We hope our efforts from geography perspective guide through vaccine allocation, typically for underserved regions, and alleviate disease burden when the next pandemic hits the world."
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First published: 11 March 2025