Vaccine Delivery

The Jordan Covid-19 Vaccine Delivery Act

 

Title:  The Jordan Covid-19 Vaccine Delivery Act

Problem:  With the development of several Vaccines to battle Covid-19, three things have become clear: Jordan is one of the most-suffering Middle East countries and the number of cases is escalating reaching thousands per day.  Finally, it appears that the most pressing problem is this: Jordan’s leadership has not created any plans for the purchase or effective delivery of vaccinations.

With this document, we recognize that the Jordanian public needs to be vaccinated against COVID-19 virus, and the following steps need to be taken:

  • Proper planning is needed before any program starts; the Jordanian Ministry of Health has failed so far to even organize treatment for COVIC19 cases, or establish proper quarantine measures or deliver first aid or medical assistance for the most vulnerable COVID 19 patients such as children and elderly.
  • We will have to choose which vaccine and related program to use; with two companies providing the vaccine on an industrial scale, Jordan doesn’t seem to have begun any serious communications or negotiations with the vaccine providers r even stablish the method(s) of delivery of the product. (Note, in the upcoming days this will become more complex as other vaccines are placed in the stream of commerce).
  • We will have to establish a vaccine program, including who gets the vaccine first, where it will be delivered, and who will do the vaccinations. At the moment, the Jordanian government dos not have the priorities organized nor the statistics that could help it prioritize.
  • Jordanians have been exhibiting fear that the vaccine could be “harmful to them”, with rumors and conspiracy theories taking Jordanian streets by storm that the vaccine is a part of a scheme to limit population or get rid of the most vulnerable in society. This has created a barrier of fear and reluctance amongst the Jordanian populace about taking the vaccination. This fear can (and will) seriously hinder the effectiveness of the vaccine delivery and eventually Jordan’s ability to survive the pandemic.

Example:  The United States, Canada and UK are in the process of vaccinating people. As of this writing, only one drug from them is on the market, with others expected to join the market place by the end of the year. Additionally, other countries are developing vaccines, including China, Russia and Israel.

One of the things that has slowed down the process is this: Trying to decide whom to vaccinate first, whom will do the vaccinations and where will they take place. This has become a logistical nightmare, and has many people upset. The USA has put the military in charge, and they are in the process of working with health care professionals to deliver the vaccine.

When the vaccine becomes available to Jordanians, these problems will need to be addressed before any vaccinations can actually take place.

Media: The media must play a very vital role in educating Jordanians about the necessity o the vaccination and debunking claims about conspiracies and theories of a larger global scheme to destroy populations.   This is vital specially to encourage Jordanians who are mainly reluctant and shadowed by fear. The media campaign must exhibit that the vaccine is: Safe, effective, necessary and the right choice.

Solution: 

  • Decide what vaccine is going to be used;
  • Because Jordanians are impoverished, provide them with free vaccinations in order to maintain the country’s health standards;
  • Ensure that the Jordanian government seeks a supplier who will provide the country with special pricing;
  • Establish logistics for delivery of the vaccine especially with respect to timing, quantity and volume of provision;
  • Establish a vaccination delivery program based on the vaccine chosen;
  • Make firm decisions on who is vaccinated first;
  • Ensure that the Jordanian Ministry of Health provides actual statics with respect to those who are at risk, and those who have died.
  • The Jordanian government must provide Transparency in all areas of government life, including those with respect to the pandemic.

Support: 

  • The Ministry of Health
  • The Ministry of Education (provision of leaflets, educational material to parents and vaccinations at school for the public)
  • The Public
  • Consumer Groups
  • Health Care Professionals
  • World Health Bodies (like the Red Cross, Doctors Without Borders, WHO)
  • Law Enforcement
  • The Military

Opposition: 

  • Those who are not happy with the established order of vaccinations;
  • The Jordanian government itself, led by King Abdullah because the program will require transparency;
  • Government officials who desire control over the process, with a focus being the Royal Hashemite Court and the king’s official office.

Arguments in support: 

  • This is what the world is doing, and so should we;
  • Without this program, Jordan risks becoming the Middle East’s hottest COVID-19 spot;
  • This will help save the tourist, business and air traffic industries;
  • This program is about the lives and future of Jordanian people, those we serve;
  • This is an important decision and will help quell unrest by restoring health and normality to Jordan;

Arguments in opposition: 

  • Anyone can get the vaccine by just walking in and asking, regardless of nationality, residency status, ethnicity, gender or creed. That means that Jordan will be paying for people who are not technically Jordanian;
  • It is unfair for the most vulnerable demographic categories to get the priority – priority should go to those who are the most important, those who run the government and the Royal Family;
  • We do not have enough resources to effectively deliver the vaccine to those who need it.

Fiscal Effect: 

  • Unknown
  • Jordan should put at least $1 billion aside for this overall program.

Code Section affected: 

  • As per Drafting Council

Language Attached: Yes – as follows

SECTION 1: Intent

The intent of this legislation is two fold. First to discuss how, when and where vaccination will take place. The second is to help establish a vaccination order.

SECTION 2: Funding

Funding for vaccinations will come from the General Fund, with grants, donations and foreign aid from other countries.

SECTION 3: Vaccination Programs and Order

  • First, we increase testing and
  • Second, we vaccinate in this order:
    • Essential workers
    • Medical professionals
    • Law enforcement
    • Those tested positive or those with health problems
    • Senior citizens
    • Senior Educators
    • The General Public – over 16
    • Minors under 16 (note: it has been stated that children are carriers of the virus).

SECTION 4: Vaccination done by:

Vaccinations will be undertaken on several levels, in accordance with Health Ministry Standards. Those who will administer the vaccination programs will be international health organizations and Jordan’s medical professionals.

SECTION 5: Military and Law Enforcement Assistance

Law enforcement, in association with the Military and Health Ministry, will identify vaccination locations.