What Is Your Place in the Covid Vaccine Line?

Thank you for this NYT link, we discuss this question everyday. We too are way down on the list and it will be awhile but nice to know the vaccine is coming, so we will quarantine a few more months but at least will have a better attitude as we see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'm not expecting perfection, but I foundthat tool disappointing and mostly irrelevant. It adds nothing to what we knew except to ad some numbers. And if those questions are what will determine order of vaccine administration, many are going to die before they get attention.

Location,age and other illness are known factors. How many existing conditions -- 1, 3 more? What conditions -- heart disease, lung disease, compromised immune system, etc? These factors break out the 3.2M with contributing factors.

Should a limited supply vaccine be given to those with known limited life expectancy? Are his 3-6 months worth more than her 10-20 years? Yes, very difficult questions.

I wonder if those that claim existing conditions will have to show proof of this while
waiting in line. My husband had triple heart bypass a few years back. Does this qualify
as an existing condition?

Another interesting question is will states only give the shot to their state residents?
Thinking of all those snowbirds down in Florida? Will they have to drive back to their
state of residence to get their shots?

Note from Admin: Great questions Carol. We know several people in the same situation you describe. Torn about coming to FL because they are still OH residents and worry about getting the vaccine. Or snowbirds who are FL residents who go north for the summer. How will all this be handled. Will it all end up being like in line to get on a Russian airplane, complete chaos all around?

Most people will not be able to get the vaccine until February, March or later. By that time I believe the federal executive level and the state governors will be working together better than this year. I’ve read that the incoming president’s new coronavirus task force is already working diligently on the logistics of vaccination. It’s likely that approximate appointment times will need to be made to carry out vaccinations as smoothly as possible. We’re driving to Florida, our legal residence, in January and will stay 6+ months and hope we can be vaccinated during that time. All of us should understand that the rollout of the vaccine will involve some hiccups and that patience will continue to be required, I’m thankful that a successful vaccine appears to be imminent, but until each person actually receives it, it’s important to practice appropriate measures like mask-wearing, distancing, hand-washing, and sheltering in place as necessary.

I am glad this is being discussed. I am furious, I am in RI, which had a Vaccination Committee of over 20 people representing various segments of the social service community. Nobody was appointed to represent senior citizens. The result. Senior citizens are at the very back of the line in Phase 2 in RI! People over 65 are in Phase 1 in Massachusetts, which is a few miles from me. Here is the list of priorities in RI. Phase 1, all Health Care workers and anyone who works with the public. PHASE 2: “In Phase 2, as vaccine supply nears or meets level of demand, the following critical populations will be prioritized for vaccination:
• K-12 teachers, school staff, and childcare providers
• Critical workers in high-risk settings
• People with moderate comorbid conditions
• People in homeless shelters or group homes and staff
• Incarcerated or detained people and facility staff
• All older adults “

So in RI, we are last on the list. I believe that this happened because the committee consisted of advocates for each of the above groups with no advocate for seniors! I believe this reflects the values of RI , and it does not value seniors at all!

Well most of this is depended on how many pharmacutical companies get FDA approval and the number of doses they have and can produce. Presently, there are three companies trying to obtain approval. If you do a bit of research you will find several more companies already in phase three trails, and could come online shortly. So its not what place you have inline, but more depended on approvals and manufacturing.

We have been patient for almost a year, continuing masks, washing hands and social distancing for another few months is fine by me.

Here is a good article from today’s Boston Globe. I say preservation of life has to come first. https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/12/05/nation/elderly-vs-essential-workers-who-should-get-coronavirus-vaccine-first/?fbclid=IwAR1J7JP2aX7x_CPlKXxt7DdntWAc8FEGfaZi5Y3u4s0nqQtwY7GA2Nz76OE

I understand they have to prioritize the healthcare workers, but I hope individual hospitals have a phased rollout that does not inoculate their entire healthcare staff over the course of a few days. The vaccine does cause side effects, which is a good thing because your immune system is kicking in. But some side effects can be strong enough to keep a person out of work for a day. If the hospitals don’t take this into consideration, they could be creating further problems.