Abstract
Although COVID-19 vaccines are becoming increasingly available, their ability to effectively control and contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic is highly contingent on an array of factors. This paper discusses how limitations to vaccine accessibility, issues associated with vaccine side effects, concerns regarding vaccine efficacy, along with the persistent prevalence of vaccine hesitancy among the public, including health care professionals, might impact the potential of COVID-19 vaccines to curb the pandemic. We draw insights from the literature to identify practical solutions that could boost people’s adoption of COVID-19 vaccines and their accessibility. We conclude with a discussion on health experts’ and government officials’ moral and ethical responsibilities to the public, even in light of the urgency to adopt and endorse “the greatest amount of good for the greatest number” utilitarian philosophy in controlling and managing the spread of COVID-19.
Original language | English |
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Article number | e26111 |
Journal | JMIR Public Health and Surveillance |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 8 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Aug 2021 |
Keywords
- COVID-19
- COVID-19 vaccine
- China
- Consequence
- Coronavirus
- Efficacy
- Expectation
- Infectious disease
- Made in China
- Public health
- Public health
- Safety
- Standard
- Vaccine
- Vaccine efficacy
- Vaccine safety
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Health Informatics
- Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health