Public Service Logic: a service lens on the COVID-19 vaccination programmes

This chapter explores the utility of the Public Service Logic (PSL) framework for understanding and enhancing the effectiveness of mass vaccination programmes, such as the current programme for COVID-19. Our argument is that such programmes have only been evaluated with a logistical and operational focus, in relation to public health objectives. By viewing such vaccination programmes through a service lens, however, the focus shifts from logistical ones to those of value creation at the individual and societal level. Such an approach, we argue, is one that has significant benefits for the strategic achievement of public health objectives. Consequently the chapter is in three parts. The first part lays out the core elements of PSL. The second part then describes the current COVID-19 vaccination programme and the key challenges that it faces. The final section applies a PSL approach to the vaccination programmes and evaluates the strengths and challenges of such an approach.