By Dr. Priyom Bose, Ph.D.Mar 10 2023Reviewed by Aimee Molineux Scientists have rapidly developed vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 , the causal agent of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. In late 2020, the COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization and, subsequently, many countries started vaccination programs to reduce the disease and economic burden.
About the study A new BMC Medicine study retrospectively analyzed the impact of COVID-19 vaccination timing and speed on the virus transmission in 27 African countries, based on a combined epidemiological and economic modeling approach. The authors aimed to inform future decisions about vaccine roll-out and investment.
Findings Vaccination programs with earlier start dates showed greater health benefits, with small incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in relation to the gross domestic product per capita. Also, fast vaccination roll-out resulted in a greater health benefit with the smallest ICERs in relation to GDP per capita. A quick vaccination program enabled greater coverage beyond the vulnerable and prioritized groups.