Vaccine delays reveal unexpected weak link in supply chains

Photo caption: In Davie, Fla., Department of Health workers direct cars at a drive-thru vaccination site. Joe Raedle via Getty Images. Article by Anna Nagurney. The Conversation – January 8, 2021.

After the initial excitement following the authorization of the first COVID-19 vaccines, a harsh reality set in. People who want a vaccine can’t get it, some counties have more than others and older people are camping out for it the way they once might have for tickets to a Bruce Springsteen concert.

All of this would seem to be an indication of supply chain problems or systems breakdowns. In fact, it’s more about a shortage of employees to support the supply chains and distributions. Some states are even considering calling up the National Guard.

I am an expert on supply chains, and I construct models and algorithms to identify how to enhance their operations as well as to identify their vulnerabilities. Labor problems – and a lack of taking them into account – have contributed in a major way to these delays. […]

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