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HK Should prepare priority list and distribution plan to ensure smooth roll-out of vaccine
While everyone is looking forward to a Covid-19 vaccine, given the initial limited supply, agreement is needed on how the vaccine will be distributed.
The age division structure used for flu vaccinations in Hong Kong is not applicable as it cannot address major concerns arising from the epidemic. What about the importance of certain occupations in helping run the community?
The US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention classifies the public into five tiers for the distribution of limited vaccines during an influenza pandemic. The first tier has the highest priority and includes medical staff, police, firefighters, pregnant women and toddlers. Other children are grouped into the second and third tier according to their health conditions. However, those aged 65 and above are placed in the fourth tier.
How to distribute the vaccines is also an issue. The authorities must consider the geographical distribution of the target groups and arrange corresponding vaccination sites so it is convenient for the public to visit the centres. A geographic information system can mark the distribution of different groups on a map and give a full picture of how many people can reach a vaccination site by a 15-minute walk or a short drive, helping to estimate the number of vaccines needed at each site.
Some vaccines require two doses, and products from different pharmaceutical companies cannot be interchanged. Who receives a certain vaccine and when will the second dose be required? Health care staff need a fast, accurate system to record each person's vaccination information with the bar code of the vaccine package box or possible side effects to facilitate follow-up work. The information can be displayed on an interactive map dashboard to give the authority constant updates.
We also need to eliminate reluctance to being vaccinated by increasing transparency through better communication. The government should explain the principles of and measures taken for vaccine distribution to the public. Information such as the number of vaccines for each group and daily number of those vaccinated should be displayed on the dashboard for people to assess their risk level.
A Covid-19 vaccination priority list and implementation plan will surely attract public attention. Therefore, the government must strengthen communication to improve transparency and reduce suspicion to ensure that all public health measures can be implemented smoothly.
Dr. Winnie Tang
Adjunct Professor, Department of Geography, Faculty of Social Sciences and Faculty of Architecture, The University of Hong Kong