The Food and Drug Administration announced new steps last week to ensure that Covid-19 tests, treatments and vaccines stay ahead of new, potentially more transmissible and virulent variants, the emergence of which makes widespread vaccination even more urgent. The longer it takes to get the virus under control, the more difficult it can get. And soon the problem could be vaccine overload if demand is weaker than expected.
After early challenges, vaccine delivery keeps up with supply. But by the end of March, the monthly vaccination could reach 100 million doses. To keep up, vaccination coverage should double and then some. This requires an all-in-one approach to vaccine administration, tapping significant capacity in pharmacies, primary care practices and other trusted healthcare providers.
Certainly with an improved supply, at some point, perhaps in April, supply will exceed demand. The challenge will not be how to ration a scarce resource, but how to reach patients who are reluctant to be vaccinated. Based on the most recent tracking surveys from the Kaiser Family Foundation, more than half of Americans say they don’t want to get vaccinated. Some may just want to wait; others may be against getting it.
One reason for the hesitation may be that in the beginning it was necessary to ration scarce doses, leading many Americans to internalize the idea that some people are likely to benefit or earn more than others. It is essential to emphasize in public health messages that every adult can enjoy and deserve the protections they can provide, and that there will be no reason to forgo this once the scarcity problem is resolved.
Government at every level should work with as many partners as possible to expand access. More Americans will take the vaccine if they can get it in a comfortable location. Not everyone will be willing or able to queue at Dodger Stadium. Insurers, pharmacies, and large employers can help public health systems reach people in every community.