VAX Quest: Are the “vulnerable” being prioritized?

Answer: Based on the data, not in my home county.
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About the only finding that “the science” hasn’t wavered on is that older people are the most vulnerable to serious COVID consequences.

So, are they really being prioritized for vaccinations?

I live in Maryland and — being over 65 — I’m officially categorized as “vulnerable”.

I can’t go across my state border (i.e. access DC vaccine distribution) … and, Maryland counties are trying to restrict their vaccine distributions to their residents.

So, I’m pretty much stuck finding my vaccine in my home county: Anne Arundel.

Statistically and procedurally speaking, there’s no reason to believe that AA County data is projectible to any other spot in the universe, but it’s the data I have and it’s the most relevant to me.

So, what does the AA County data say?

  • 80% of vaccinations have gone to people under 60 years old
  • 14% has gone to people between 60 and 70 years old
  • Only 5% has gone to people over 70 years old

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Source

How can this be?

Simple: The top vaccine tiers include “essentials” — the vast majority of which are under 60 (i.e. they have low vulnerability) … and many of whom have questionable essentiality (e.g. virtual teachers who have no near-term commitment to in person teaching).

Hmmm.

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Data Note

To be fair, AA County says that:

CVS and Walgreens have completed COVID-19 vaccination clinics at Maryland nursing homes.

Clinics in assisted living facilities are underway.

That’s good! And, it’s not clear whether those vaccinations are included in the above numbers.

My hunch: They aren’t … and, they could swing the analysis.

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