168 290

Cited 12 times in

Developing a Framework for Pandemic COVID-19 Vaccine Allocation: a Modified Delphi Consensus Study in Korea

Authors
 Min Joo Choi  ;  Won Suk Choi  ;  Hye Seong  ;  Jun Yong Choi  ;  Jong Hyun Kim  ;  Yae Jean Kim  ;  Eun Young Cho  ;  Dong Hyun Kim  ;  Hyesook Park  ;  Heeyoung Lee  ;  Nam Joong Kim  ;  Joon Young Song  ;  Hee Jin Cheong  ;  Sang Il Kim  ;  Kyong Ran Peck 
Citation
 JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE, Vol.36(23) : e166, 2021-06 
Journal Title
JOURNAL OF KOREAN MEDICAL SCIENCE
ISSN
 1011-8934 
Issue Date
2021-06
MeSH
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19 / epidemiology* ; COVID-19 / prevention & control* ; COVID-19 Vaccines / therapeutic use* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Decision Making ; Delphi Technique* ; Health Personnel ; Humans ; Infant ; Infant, Newborn ; Middle Aged ; Pandemics / prevention & control ; Public Health ; Republic of Korea / epidemiology ; Resource Allocation* ; SARS-CoV-2* ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Vaccination ; Young Adult
Keywords
COVID-19 ; Distribution ; Korea ; Policy ; Survey ; Vaccines
Abstract
Background: This study presents a framework for determining the allocation and distribution of the limited amount of vaccines against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Methods: After analyzing the pandemic strategies of the major organizations and countries and with a literature review conducted by a core panel, a modified Delphi survey was administered to 13 experts in the fields of vaccination, infectious disease, and public health in the Republic of Korea. The following topics were discussed: 1) identifying the objectives of the vaccination strategy, 2) identifying allocation criteria, and 3) establishing a step-by-step vaccination framework and prioritization strategy based on the allocation criteria. Two rounds of surveys were conducted for each topic, with a structured questionnaire provided via e-mail in the first round. After analyzing the responses, a meeting with the experts was held to obtain consensus on how to prioritize the population groups.

Results: The first objective of the vaccination strategy was maintenance of the integrity of the healthcare system and critical infrastructure, followed by reduction of morbidity and mortality and reduction of community transmission. In the initial phase, older adult residents in care homes, high-risk health and social care workers, and personal support workers who work in direct contact with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients would be prioritized. Expansion of vaccine supply would allow immunization of older adults not included in phase 1, followed by healthcare workers not previously included and individuals with comorbidities. Further widespread vaccine supply would ensure availability to the extended adult age groups (50-64 years old), critical workers outside the health sector, residents who cannot socially distance, and, eventually, the remaining populations.

Conclusion: This survey provides the much needed insight into the decision-making process for vaccine allocation at the national level. However, flexibility in adapting to strategies will be essential, as new information is constantly emerging.
Files in This Item:
T202103488.pdf Download
DOI
10.3346/jkms.2021.36.e166
Appears in Collections:
1. College of Medicine (의과대학) > Dept. of Internal Medicine (내과학교실) > 1. Journal Papers
Yonsei Authors
Choi, Jun Yong(최준용) ORCID logo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2775-3315
URI
https://ir.ymlib.yonsei.ac.kr/handle/22282913/184721
사서에게 알리기
  feedback

qrcode

Items in DSpace are protected by copyright, with all rights reserved, unless otherwise indicated.

Browse

Links