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Optimal allocation of vaccines in a pandemic

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  • Joshua S Gans

Abstract

This paper provides an overview of approaches to the allocation of scarce vaccine doses during a pandemic. Price and non-price methods are outlined to determine whom to prioritize. It is argued that depending on viral and vaccine properties, it may be superior to use epidemiological criteria than health risk criteria for prioritization. The paper concludes by noting that the key trade-offs between health risk and epidemiological properties have received too little study to systematically inform allocation during a public health emergency. Moreover, the evaluation criteria for vaccines themselves need to be adjusted to take potential short-term scarcity into account.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua S Gans, 2022. "Optimal allocation of vaccines in a pandemic," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 38(4), pages 912-923.
  • Handle: RePEc:oup:oxford:v:38:y:2022:i:4:p:912-923.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/oxrep/grac027
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Parag A. Pathak & Tayfun Sönmez & M. Utku Unver & M. Bumin Yenmez, 2020. "Leaving No Ethical Value Behind: Triage Protocol Design for Pandemic Rationing," NBER Working Papers 26951, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    2. Chryssi Giannitsarou & Stephen Kissler & Flavio Toxvaerd, 2021. "Waning Immunity and the Second Wave: Some Projections for SARS-CoV-2," American Economic Review: Insights, American Economic Association, vol. 3(3), pages 321-338, September.
    3. Parag Pathak & Govind Persad & Tayfun Sönmez & M Utku Ünver, 2022. "Reserve system design for allocation of scarce medical resources in a pandemic: some perspectives from the field," Oxford Review of Economic Policy, Oxford University Press and Oxford Review of Economic Policy Limited, vol. 38(4), pages 924-940.
    4. Oster, Emily, 2018. "Does disease cause vaccination? Disease outbreaks and vaccination response," Journal of Health Economics, Elsevier, vol. 57(C), pages 90-101.
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    Cited by:

    1. Holger Strulik & Volker Grossmann, 2024. "Beyond Covid: Pandemics and the Economics of Aging and Longevity," CESifo Working Paper Series 11104, CESifo.

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