The worldwide “vaccine tourism” boom

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The uneven progress of Covid-19 vaccination around the world has begun to fuel a type of tourism dedicated to securing immunizer shots against the novel coronavirus.

Some countries like the United States, Russia, and Cuba have taken a position on the case. Among those identified as keen on packing their bags in search of vaccination, there are reports of Brazilians who left the country bound for the United States, where there is ample supply of immunizers, unlike in their home country.

In the state of Florida, proof of residence is not required in vaccination centers, which has led to a large number of foreigners being inoculated. According to a survey by the local health department, around 210,000 people from out of state had been immunized by yesterday.

To have an idea, total vaccination in Florida exceeds 8.9 million doses. The most recent guidance on the vaccination of non-residents came on April 30th, when officials from the local emergency control division stated that applicants must verbally declare if they are residents, or there for work purposes only.

Another such signal came from Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy, when he announced two weeks ago on his Twitter that any traveler coming through the region’s airport from June on would be administered immunizer doses.

According to The New York Times, this is a powerful marketing move to boost tourism in the area. For now, there are a number of restrictions for Brazilians to enter the country, the exceptions being students with visas, some professionals, permanent residents, as well as children and spouses of Americans. In order to get to the country, of course, a 14-day quarantine is required.

In February, Cuba announced that it would vaccinate tourists with its Soberana 2 vaccine. The advertising piece featured the slogan: “Beaches, Caribbean, mojito and vaccine. All in one place.” The immunizer is currently in phase 3 trials, with results expected in May.

Another country that has tried a similar move is Russia, with its Sputnik V vaccine. On the immunizer’s official Twitter page, it was reported in April that a tourism and vaccination program would be launched in July. The Russian Direct Investment Fund provided no further explanation on the matter.

On a smaller scale, the vaccination of people living in border regions in Brazil is also mobilizing the local Health Ministries. The government of Rio Grande do Sul has been negotiating with Uruguay, through videoconference, for joint vaccination in towns that share a common border.

Source: Veja