A Global Study on the Correlates of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution

This study aimed to explore the association between the GDP of various countries and the progress of COVID-19 vaccinations; to explore how the global pattern holds in the continents, and investigate the spatial distribution pattern of COVID-19 vaccination progress for all countries. We have used consolidated data on COVID-19 vaccination and GDP from Our World in Data, an open-access data source. Data analysis and visualization were performed in R-Studio. There was a strong linear association between per capita income and the proportion of people vaccinated in countries with populations of one million or more. GDP per capita accounts for a 50% variation in the vaccination rate across the nations. Our assessments revealed that the global pattern holds in every continent. Rich European and North-American countries are most protected against COVID-19. Less developed African countries barely initiated a vaccination program. There is a significant disparity among Asian countries. The security of wealthier nations (vaccinated their citizens) cannot be guaranteed unless adequate vaccination covers the less affluent countries. Therefore, the global community should undertake initiatives to speed up the COVID-19 vaccination program in all countries of the world, irrespective of their wealth.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the association between GDP and COVID-19 vaccination progress across countries, and found a global pattern where wealthier nations have made more progress in vaccination while poorer nations lag behind. There are significant differences among Asian countries, with rich European and North-American countries being most protected against COVID-19, while less developed African countries have barely initiated vaccination programs. Therefore, the global community should accelerate vaccination programs in all countries, regardless of their wealth.