The World Health Organization (WHO) wants seafarers and aircrew categorized as essential workers and prioritized for COVID-19 vaccinations.

While restrictions have been put in place on travel during the pandemic, much maritime and air transport has had to continue as essential activities that underpin global trade.

The WHO along with aviation, maritime and labor groups believes these workers are also key for the global recovery from the crisis.

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"Maritime and air transport are two central activities to global trade and mobility and play a vital role in global supply chains and the provision of humanitarian aid," said a WHO statement.

"They also play a key role in global socioeconomic recovery.  

"It is estimated that 400,000 seafarers are currently stranded onboard commercial vehicles, unable to be repatriated, while a similar number are unable to join the ships to replace them."

The WHO has advised that where sufficient vaccines are available, seafarers and aircrew should be included as essential workers.

"National governments will determine which populations should be prioritized for vaccination, based on supplies and their epidemiological situation," said the WHO.

"In November 2020, WHO issued the SAGE Prioritization Roadmap to guide countries in this decision-making. According to the roadmap, essential workers outside health and education sectors should be considered for vaccination when there is moderate vaccine availability, enough for 21-50 percent of the population."