I, as much as anyone else, has been looking forward to the day that a vaccine is created to put a stop to this pandemic. There are many things to consider when creating a plan for the distribution of the vaccine. The people of the United States realize that it will take a significant amount of time to produce an accurate and effective vaccine that also doesn't harm the individuals of the country. If the public were to be released to the public in a limited capacity, the most important factors that should be considered when distributing to Kentucky include: underlying health issues, frontline healthcare workers, effect based on age group, and location.
In order to effectively distribute the vaccines in a safe way, state health officials should have jurisdiction over what areas of the cities and counties are given vaccines for even distribution. State departments should also have the ability to control the amount of vaccines given to specific regions that way highly populated areas aren't given the same amount of vaccines as less populated areas. Local health departments should then decide what hospitals, clinics, and other health-related areas are given vaccines within specific regions. Specials areas can be created such as mobile units similar to blood drives or tents outside to limit capacity and enforce social distancing.
The most important factor for the United States would be underlying health issues. Because individuals who have pre-existing health conditions are already predisposed to be greatly affected by the virus because of their weakened body performance and compromised immune systems, individuals who are considered part of this group should receive vaccines earlier on than other individuals. Other individuals whose body's are better prepared to fight off the virus should take a backseat over others in order to help prevent the unnecessary loss of lives. I mentioned in an earlier post that a friend of mine with sickle cell anemia passed away after getting the Coronavirus. I even fit into this category because I am at a higher risk because I have asthma, and COVID-19 is a disease that affects the lungs.
Following this group, adults who can be considered senior citizens should follow as second on the list. The older you are, the more at risk you are to be hospitalized due to the virus. According to the CDC, 8 out of every 10 deaths due to Coronavirus is 65 and older. Also, they are at risk of having complications due to the flu. Older adults also account for the most flu-related deaths. Another age-related aspect to consider is having college-age students receive the vaccine. It may not be as essential or important because our age demographic can fight off the disease relatively well, but we seem to be a big part of the reason Lexington's case numbers have increased. This can be seen across the United States, where some colleges have decided to revert to online classes only. This could be prevented in our area if the university took the same course of action.
Healthcare workers who are directly in contact with patients who test positive should also receive the vaccine early on. Giving these workers the vaccine would be essential because they are at the most risk due to the fact that they work with these patients on a daily basis. Giving them the vaccine prevents healthcare professionals from spreading the virus to their family and friends. This would also allow them to experience more social interaction because some workers have had to decrease interaction to avoid the spread.
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