In an address on 4 September 2020, Dr Tedros Adhanon Ghebreyesus, Director General of the World Health Organization, said that once an effective COVID-19 vaccine was produced, supply would likely be limited, and in this context certain people would need to be given vaccinations as a priority.

In December 2020, as the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered, messages about the importance of an ethical and equitable approach to the roll out of vaccines were echoed by Dr Mike Ryan, Executive Director WHO health emergencies programme, and by Pope Francis as part of his annual Christmas message.

• Drawing on what you know about globalization in the context of COVID-19, make a list of the people who should be prioritised for COVID-19 vaccination.
• Watch ‘Dr Tedros talks about the threat of vaccine nationalism’ (1.25 mins)
• Check the people the WHO believe should be prioritized for COVID-19 vaccination against your list.
• Participate in a small group or whole class discussion to try to come to a consensus about the roll out of an ethical and equitable COVID-19 vaccination programme.
• Try to reach your agreed decision based on a full discussion about the implications in terms of aspects of globalization, such as trade and investment, human movement, information and ideas; and, a consideration of the moral implications of the various options discussed.