Reassessing the VaxTax

J Med Ethics. 2024 Mar 20;50(4):222-225. doi: 10.1136/jme-2023-109045.

Abstract

To counter the imbalance in vaccine distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic, Albertsen and more recently Germani et al have suggested a new system of taxation coined as 'VaxTax' that would force higher-income countries to fund the access of low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) to new vaccines in times of pandemic. I will argue that this idea faces numerous challenges of ethical, sociopolitical and economical nature that may hinder any effort to solve the numerous health challenges that LMICs face. I argue that while it is an interesting idea, it is neither sufficient nor will it ever be easily implemented because of socioeconomic or practical reasons.

Keywords: Legislation; Paternalism; Policy; Public Policy.

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19*
  • Developing Countries
  • Humans
  • Income
  • Pandemics* / prevention & control