Global Covid-19 Pandemic Could Last Seven Years, Bloomberg Reports – Deadline

Due to the slow and disjointed rollout of vaccinations, the Covid-19 pandemic could last seven more years if distribution continues at its current rate.

A grim calculation from Bloomberg shows that using two-dose vaccines could take almost a decade for herd immunity to be achieved. Earlier calculations by White House chief medical adviser Dr Anthony Fauci claimed that 70 to 85 percent of the population would need the vaccine to achieve herd immunity.

Right now, the United States is on track to reach that mark by 2022, but serious distribution complications and the lack of vaccines in other countries are nowhere near that figure.

Bloomberg claims that Western and wealthier countries achieve 75% coverage, but others fall far behind. Israel will achieve 75% coverage in the spring. But Portugal could take four years to reach this mark, China seven years and Canada almost ten years at the current rate of distribution.

The outlet admits its calculations are based on current conditions and may adjust as distribution lines improve. Canada, for example, has faced delays in shipments but has huge back orders for supplies that could speed up its timeline.

Bloomberg also noted that production is only just beginning at manufacturing hubs and only a third of countries have vaccination campaigns.