On the Washington State Department of Health website, the pdf “Summary Guidance for Phases 1A and 1B” presented the vaccine distribution plans for Washington state. Once reviewing these plans, I grew concerned with the order.
There are two phases listed A and B with two tiers in Phase A, and four in Phase B. Phase A understandably shows the necessity of vaccinating health care workers because of their first-hand exposure to COVID-19, but Phase B’s order is not as valid. Considering those in tier 3 will be vaccinated after tier 2, I believe tier 2 candidates should be swapped with tier 3. Tier 3 are those “16 years or older with two or more comorbidities or underlying conditions,” and those in tier 2 are “High-risk critical workers 50 years and older who work in certain congregate settings” (Guidance for Phases 1A and 1B).
While older people working in high-risk environments are incredibly vulnerable to the virus, those working in high-risk environments with two or more comorbidities or underlying conditions may be risking much more (those with respiratory related diseases, etc.).
