UNL professor compares U.S. vaccine distribution plan to other countries

When it comes to getting the vaccine, a local supply chain professor says some of the world's richest countries like the U.S. are still doing better than other countries.

LINCOLN, Neb., (KLKN) — When it comes to getting the vaccine, a local supply chain professor says some of the world’s richest countries like the U.S. are still doing better than other countries.

UNL professor Liang Xu has been watching the world as vaccines are being made, bought, and distributed differently. He says the U.S. And the U.K. are in the lead when it comes to vaccinations.
He says factors like extreme refrigeration and government funds have slowed the process for some developing countries. Xu says countries like Brazil and China are battling to reach their huge population against coronavirus.

“Developing countries, they lacked the money essentially, they don’t have the money to purchase the vaccine,” said Xu. “Okay, although it is a crisis, but still the market rule is still there. So you essentially can you pay for the vaccine and the government have to purchase that.”

When comparing the U.S. to Britain in terms of vaccine distribution, the U.S gave to the elderly first, while Britain, using the ‘one jab’ term, gave many people the first dose of the vaccine, and they will have to wait a few months for the second. Xu says Britain’s plan does slow the distribution process.

“Because every vaccine you give to people as a first dose, then you have to reserve a second dose essentially,” said Xu. “So, that would dampen the speed when you have vaccination right? But because of the science, I think I believe in the science. The science shows that it works best to have both doses within three weeks. I think it’s best to follow those scientific standards, not trying to rush out everybody’s first dose, and then everybody has to wait for their second dose. I think that will discount the efficacy of that vaccine.”

I asked his opinion of Nebraska’s take, giving the vaccine to the elderly, and is slower than other states to give the vaccine to the younger population. He says he agrees with the plan, and protecting the vulnerable controls overcrowding the hospital and slows the death rate.

“I think it makes economical sense, and also from the treatments perspective, it’s also a good thing to start vaccinating the elderly person,” said Xu. “So, I think that’s a very good thing that we have to finish the vaccinating the older people and moving to the general public. I think most of the states are following that.”

Xu shares he was excited to get his first dose and sees it as a sign of hope to encourage more people to get the vaccine when it becomes available to you.