CDC Panel Suggests People Over the Age of 75 Get Vaccinated Next
Because of high elderly death rates, those who are 75-year-old and older will be next in line for the coronavirus vaccine.
A panel advising the CDC on the next steps for COVID-19 vaccination recommended that people at least 75-years-old should be vaccinated next, according to the New York Times.
The panel cited a higher rate of deaths from COVID-19 among the elderly as the reason for this decision. During the December 20 meeting, it was also determined that about 30 million essential workers, such as teachers, grocery store employees and emergency responders should be in the next group of vaccinated people.
Workers such as construction and restaurant workers will be eligible for a “third wave” of vaccinations—however, it was not decided when this will take place.
“What we are providing governors and health officials with is a framework which is supported by evidence and will address this limited supply of vaccine that we have at this time,” said Dr. Jose R. Romero, the committee chairman.
CDC director Dr. Robert Redfield will review the panel’s recommendations to determine whether the agency will adopt them as an official guidance.