The privilege of COVID‐19 vaccine wastage ‐ Hong Kong

Abstract

Abstract COVID‐19 and its effects continue to ripple through Hong Kong. From strict social restrictions to loosening travel restrictions, from high death rates to high caseloads, and from low vaccine uptake to high vaccine uptake, Hong Kong has experienced the spectrum of COVID‐19. Hong Kong being in a position of privilege was able to procure at least three doses per person soon after vaccines became available. However, the public's response to the vaccines was suboptimal, with less than 55% of the population being vaccinated 6 months after the introduction of the vaccines. Though the government tried to encourage active vaccine uptake, various factors, such as perceived barriers, risks, and general distrust, contributed to the hesitancy experienced by the population. Logistical factors such as open and closed vial wastage may also contribute to vaccine waste. This may have led to massive vaccine waste of up to 2 million doses and more uncertainty with how to manage with to‐be‐delivered vaccines. Vaccine nationalism opened the doors to potential wastage, a symptom of vaccine inequity. Urgent action is needed to address uptake hesitancy and potential suboptimal logistical management to prevent further vaccine wastage.

Keywords

• COVID‐19
• vaccine inequity
• vaccine wastage