The Distribution of Vaccine among Countries in the Case of a Pandemic

Abstract

Purpose: Only few companies were able to produce vaccine again COVID-19. Thus, one producer supplied it to many countries. The distribution was not effective. Some countries overstocked the vaccine while other countries were not able to buy enough. The purpose of the present paper is to provide with a frame such that one producer distributes the vaccine to a set of countries in a way that the shortage is minimized. Methodology: The consumption of the countries are approximated by regression functions taking into account the saturation of the process. The distribution of the vaccine is determined by MIP models of operations research. Findings: Effective distribution of vaccine can be obtained for even a large number of countries. Both the level of the shortage and the number of the consecutive shortage days in a country can be controlled. Practical implications: A group of countries can act as a single partner of a pharmaceutical company. They can get a steady supply. The company gets a well-organized delivery plan. Social implications: More people can be saved because of the steady supply of the vaccine. Originality: The paper develops a new concept for the fair distribution of vaccines between countries. This concept and the method derived from it can be applied in the event of future pandemics on a global scale.