The Road to Vaccination against COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, causing a significant number of deaths around the world. The development of a vaccine was eagerly awaited and desperately needed. In December 2020, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted authorization for the use of vaccines against COVID-19. However, the overwhelming demand outpaced the available supply, necessitating a well thought out vaccination prioritization plan. In this article, we'll delve into the factors considered during the creation of the plan and how access to vaccines was ensured for everyone in the United States.
Factors in the Prioritization of Vaccines
According to experts Jean-Jaques and Bauchner, creating a vaccination prioritization plan involved considering several crucial factors such as morbidity and mortality rates, taking into account age and high-risk medical conditions. Frontline workers with high levels of exposure to the virus, such as first responders, and social priorities, such as essential workers, were also prioritized.
Establishment of Priority Groups
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, there was a consensus on which groups should have priority for vaccination. Medical personnel working tirelessly on the front lines of the pandemic were rightly placed at the top of the list. However, due to the complexity of the situation and the limited availability of vaccines, it was unclear who should receive the vaccine next. In January 2021, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended to the FDA the specific population groups and conditions for administration of the vaccine during the first months of the vaccination schedule. The first groups to have access to the vaccine were health care personnel and residents of long-term care homes. Subsequently, priority was given to people aged 75 and over and essential frontline workers who were not healthcare workers. Next were people ages 65-74, individuals ages 16-64 with high-risk medical conditions, and other essential workers. Finally, the vaccine was made available to those who were not part of any of the priority groups above.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has taken steps to ensure that every eligible individual in the United States can access the COVID-19 vaccine without barriers. Currently every individual six months or older, regardless of immigration or insurance status, is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the United States. To access the vaccine, individuals can text their zip code to 438829 (GETVAX), call 1-800-232-0233, or visit vaccines.gov/search. The website not only provides locations where the vaccine is available, but also offers up-to-date guidance on vaccination and age-based options.
In addition, local pharmacies play a vital role in distributing the vaccine. People can check the website of their local pharmacy to verify the availability of the vaccine and, if necessary, make an appointment. Some pharmacies now offer walk-in vaccinations for convenience. For additional information on vaccine availability in specific areas, individuals can contact their local health department or check local news sources.