March 4, 2021 | less than a minute read

CDC Suggests Prioritizing Patients with Certain Underlying Conditions for Vaccine

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Mitzi Hill

Partner

Get in touch

Mitzi Hill

Partner

As a third type of vaccine started shipping this week, and in light of ongoing strain across states trying to allocate vaccine doses, the CDC has updated its guidance for how to prioritize delivery of the vaccine. Based on prior research about COVID among different populations, the CDC this week suggested that many underlying medical conditions (including dementia, heart conditions, cancer, and other common issues) may be used to set state standards about vaccine administration priorities. The CDC has not departed from the existing guidance about vaccinating essential workers, over-65s, or other populations; but suggests that states consider the listed conditions among other factors when evaluating how to distribute vaccines.

With the nationwide demand for coronavirus shots continuing to far outstrip supply, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday states should consider prioritizing people with disabilities or cognitive decline as officials broaden access to vaccines. The guidance is part of the agency’s latest recommendations for administering doses now that three vaccines are authorized and recommended for use to combat covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus. Any of the three can be used during these initial phases when supply is sharply limited, officials say.