What is a negative consequence of vaccine nationalism?

Vaccine nationalism refers to the prioritization of a nation's own population in the distribution and access to vaccines, often at the expense of other nations or regions. This approach can lead to a negative consequence where a particular nation benefits significantly from its own vaccine supplies while other countries, particularly those with fewer resources, may struggle to access sufficient vaccines. This creates an inequitable situation that can hinder global health efforts.

When one nation hoards vaccines or ensures its population is vaccinated before sharing with others, it can lead to disparities in public health outcomes. This not only affects the populations of those nations that are left behind but can also prolong the duration of pandemics and increase the likelihood of virus mutations. Addressing public health on a global scale requires cooperation and equitable distribution, making a focus on one country's immediate needs detrimental to broader health worldwide.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that are not aligned with the main issue at hand. For instance, promoting global health and reducing misinformation are positive outcomes generally associated with collaborative public health efforts, not vaccine nationalism. Hence, the focus on individual national benefits at the expense of collective health exemplifies the negative consequence of vaccine nationalism.