The Seattle times December 14th article heralding Gov Jay Inslee's announcement for COVID-19 typifies much of the media. In May they derided President' Trump's claim his "Warp Speed" plan would provide a vaccine by the end of the year. This article now claims his attempt to expedite its approval was "political" rather than an attempt to save lives.
Inslee's decision for vaccine priorities, "mostly health care workers, to receive inoculations" comports with much of the media's priorities. Yet the ones who are dying from COVID-19 are those in nursing homes or hospitals, not the ones treating them. Clearly those in nursing homes should be the first to vaccinate.
Those over 75 make up 6.2% of the population. However Seattle Times "COVID-19 in Washington State" pie charts show 50% of fatalities are those over 80. These same pie charts show mortality rates for Washington resident over 60 was 50 times that of those under 60.
Clearly, if reducing fatalities is the goal, those over 60 and those with some other contributing factor should be among the first. Vaccinating health care workers does nothing to reduce the number threatening hospital capacity. The best way to help them is to reduce the number they need to treat.
If the goal is to maximize the vaccine's benefit those teaching in schools should also have priority. Inoculating a teacher could allow 15 to 20 children to enjoy the benefits of in-person teaching and end the need for stay-at-home parents.
Inslee's lockdown has done nothing to reduce the number of cases or fatalities in Washington. The way to end that debacle is to reduce the number of cases and fatalities. Inoculate those in nursing homes, those over 80, and those over 60 that currently die from the virus. Inslee needs to understand his vaccine priority should be not those who treat it but who need it to live.
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