The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has voted to include both groups in what is being called Phase 1A of the CDC’s Coronavirus Vaccine Distribution Scheme.
“Long-term care facility residents are defined as adults who live in facilities that provide a variety of services, including medical and personal care, to individuals who cannot live independently,” the CDC said.
“Health care personnel are defined as serving and unpaid individuals in health care settings who are prone to direct or indirect exposure or infectious material.”
The CDC says the U.S. In 6% of coronavirus cases and 40% of coronavirus deaths are residents of long-term care facility residents. The CDC says more than 240,000 health care workers have been infected with the coronavirus and 858 have died.
The only vote against the recommendation came from Dr. Helen Talbot of Vanderbilt University, who said she was concerned that the vaccine had not been studied in residents of long-term care facilities.
“We hope it works and we hope it’s safe. It worries me on many levels,” Talbot said at the meeting.
But ACIP chairman Dr. Jose Romero said he believes these residents are exceptionally at risk.
“I believe my vote represents maximum benefit, minimum loss, promotion of justice and … health inequalities.” Romero said after the vote.
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