The successful COVID-19 vaccine rollout in Chile: Factors and challenges

Abstract

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues causing problems around the world, Chile is facing a new episode of increasing cases and deaths. However, at the same time, the country has succeeded in providing vaccines for an important part of its population over a short period. What are the factors behind this successful process? What are the challenges faced by the country today? This article explores potential explanations for the “Chilean paradigm”, regarding the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Borrowing from implementation science frameworks, the analysis proposed an alternative explanation—based on multiple actors, approaches, and history—as opposed to one in which the outcome is due mainly to the government’s performance. The rapid and extensive coverage of vaccination can be explained by the role played by the government and the academia in securing vaccines through a pragmatic approach; the capacity built at local level, as well as the coordination between the health system and local authorities; and favorable vaccine culture, developed through the implementation of the National Immunization Program. Short and long-term elements (such as investment in infrastructure and relationships between stakeholders, and actions carried out during the pandemic), as well as contextual factors (such as the political and socioeconomic context), provide a more complex story to explain the observed outcomes. While other countries could try to follow the Chilean example, the article shows that short-term actions are necessary but might not be sufficient to achieve results. At a global level, the situation calls for rethinking how countries will face these global challenges, including issues such as international cooperation and global health governance.

COVID-19 Management Missteps

“…Along with the previously mentioned treatment approaches, in December 2020, the FDA issued an EUA for the Pfizer-BionTech and Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, and in February 2021, the FDA issued an EUA for the Janssen COVID-19 vaccine. According to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 101.8 million people have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and on average, about 2.99 million doses are being administered per day [16]. Although there has been a high volume of administration of the vaccine, there have been certain hurdles in the rollout of the vaccine, including limited and uncertain supply of the vaccine, individual states having to make their own decisions on how to administer and distribute vaccines, and the public showing hesitancy for obtaining the vaccine.…”

Relationship Between High Organ Donation Rates and COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage

“…Several investigations regarding the factors promoting COVID-19 vaccinations have been conducted. The following factors have been reported to have an effect on the progress in COVID-19 vaccination: educational background and gender ( 10 , 11 ); old age ( 10 – 12 ); country income level ( 13 ); transparency of government activities ( 14 ); numbers of infected and deceased individuals ( 15 ); degree of vaccine acceptance ( 16 ) [e.g., use of the seasonal influenza vaccine ( 17 , 18 )]; digital infrastructure ( 19 ); and trust in governments ( 11 , 15 , 18 , 20 ), physicians ( 18 ), and scientists ( 21 , 22 ).…”

Effects of vaccination against COVID-19 on the emotional health of Peruvian older adults

“…In this sense, the communication strategy to promote vaccination against COVID-19 could be complemented with the message of reducing fear and anxiety about being infected with COVID-19. Thus, integrating with other elements necessary to have an adequate vaccination rate, such as the empowerment of the first level of care and the availability and access to vaccines (Castillo et al, 2021), could improve citizen confidence in the vaccination process.…”