There are two selfish reasons the US should send as many vaccines as possible to other countries.
Variants. The more the virus reproduces, the greater the chance it produces a much deadlier and more transmissible version. Each person vaccinated lessens the chances this thing becomes more destructive and dangerous. Reducing the virus’ ability to adapt and become more deadly is a very good thing.
Leadership. Increasing out country’s influence and “soft power” around the world makes it more likely other countries will support our goals and policies – and protect our interests. For the foreseeable future our main rival will be China; if developing countries see the US as an active partner, committed to helping them battle COVID, we will be in a stronger position than we are today.
Of course there are moral arguments as well; saving lives is always a compelling argument.
Then there’s the reality here – we have way more vaccine than we need, so the “cost” of sharing what we have is minimal.
What does this mean for you?
Risk management 101 – reducing risk is always better than dealing with the consequences.
This is one of those times where doing the right thing has lots of benefits.
