BRICS in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic: a comparative study on social distancing and vaccination measures in the nations of the bloc

Abstract

This study aimed to comparatively analyze the social distancing and vaccination measures BRICS countries implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This exploratory study is anchored in the contributions of historical institutionalism and the historical-comparative method in Social Sciences. This research prioritized two axes: social distancing and vaccination measures. Some BRICS countries showed similar characteristics, such as loose, flexible, social distancing measures under decentralized coordination (except for China); frail social assistance measures (Brazil, India, and South Africa); and biotechnological resources (in China and Russia). Regarding vaccination, three aspects are similar: late start (except in China and Russia), vaccination coverage (complete schedule) under 70% of the population in December 2022 (except for China and Brazil), and vaccine hesitancy. The diverse responses BRICS countries adopted regarding social distancing and vaccination against COVID-19 were related to political, social, and economic factors that conditioned the implementation of such measures.