Professor Yanjia Cao’s recent publication in BMJ Global Health

Geographic accessibility to COVID-19 vaccination: a comparative analysis across 54 countries/regions

A new study published in BMJ Global Health has uncovered significant disparities in COVID-19 vaccination accessibility across 54 countries/regions worldwide. The research, a collaboration between the University of Hong Kong, University College London, University of Glasgow, and Kyung Hee University, offers unprecedented insights into global vaccine distribution patterns.

Comprehensive framework for evaluating vaccine accessibility

We developed an innovative framework for analyzing population data and vaccination locations at 1-km resolution. Using multiple metrics, including travel time, population coverage and a comprehensive accessibility index, we evaluated vaccine accessibility across countries/regions.

Geographic variations in COVID-19 vaccine accessibility

Our findings reveal substantial disparities in global vaccine accessibility. Among the studied countries/regions, 24% demonstrated high accessibility, with over 95% of their population within 15 minutes driving distance to vaccination sites. However, in countries/regions including 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. For example, Luxembourg, despite its high GDP per capita, demonstrated limited vaccine accessibility, whereas New Brunswick (Canada) achieved comprehensive accessibility despite its low GDP per capita. The 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. For example, the 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.

Policy implications for future pandemic preparedness

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.

Acknowledgements: Dr Yanjia Cao is supported by The University of Hong Kong Seed Fund for Basic Research 2302101706. Dr Qunshan Zhao received UK ESRC support from Urban Big Data Centre (UBDC) [ES/L011921/1 and ES/S007105/1].

Team: Yanjia Cao, Tianyu Li, Huanfa Chen, Qunshan Zhao, Jiashuo Sun, Karen Ann Grépin, Jeon-Young Kang

Full paper: https://gh.bmj.com/content/10/2/e017761