The scale of the COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented demand for vaccines. As governments across the globe now rolling out vaccination programmes, the market for coronavirus innoculations is expected to be worth US$39 billion, with another US$10 billion for other COVID-19 treatments.
The result of all available treatments, according to Morningstar's calculations, is that up to 3.3 billion people will receive a vaccine this year. That is far less than the 5 billion vaccines that the manufacturers themselves say they will deliver in 2021, but takes into account delays and delivery issues.
The shortfall is likely to come from problems in various areas, such as stock shortages (think of a lack of raw materials, machines and injection needles), transport (as many vaccines areunder strict temperature conditions) and governmental issues as the general public must be convinced of the need for vaccination.