The imbalance in the availability of vaccines and supply shortages may worsen without international cooperation for smooth distribution. (Source photo by Reuters)

Supply imbalance leaves 150m doses of COVID vaccine unused

Makers scramble to meet demand; situation may worsen if booster shots needed

MIO TOMITA, RYOSUKE HANADA and KOTARO HOSOKAWA, Nikkei staff writers

July 20, 2021 16:11 JST

TOKYO/SEOUL -- Imbalance in COVID-19 vaccine supply is deepening around the world. The U.S., EU and other nations that produce and export vaccines have surpluses totaling more than 150 million doses, while shortages have caused delays in vaccination in many countries in Asia.

A mechanism under which countries having surplus vaccines supply them to those in need is indispensable to facilitate vaccination on a global scale.