Hypothetical: Who should get bird flu vaccine first?

[Free4Life11]

Inspired by MSNBC article.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/12742507/

Pretend the bird flu has hit and they have just created a vaccine. Who should get the vaccine first, age wise? Forget about the health. Let's say the bird flu attacks everyone equally. Also assume that all key people have been vaccinated (government, police, health care workers, etc.).

ETA -- Very interesting article, hard to choose who is most "important."

 

[FreshTressa]

Adults because they are the ones that will keep the economy running.

Emotionally, I want to say children, but logically and rationally, the best choice is adults so they can care for everyone else and keep things going.

If you have a bunch of vaccinated children with dead parents we will be in much worse shape.

I say this...but if the vaccine were in my hands, I'd give it to my kids before giving it to myself, lol.

 

[Mermaid02]

If you have a bunch of vaccinated children with dead parents we will be in much worse shape.

That was an episode of Star Trek "GRUPS" anyone???

Being the wise guy I am, my first thought was "duh, the birds!"

But I think Fresh Tressa is right- but let's just have enough for everyone shall we?

 

[Marseeya]

Emotionally, I want to give it to the weakest -- first the kids, then the elderly. But rationally, it should be adults, young adults, then kids.

I agree with Fresh Tessa that if it were in my hands, my kids would be getting it first.

 

[polly p]

EMS and hospital workers should get it first then children and elderly.

 

[poohandwendy]

I voted the elderly because from what I have read, they are at most risk...people with weakened immune systems being the next in line.

 

[N.Bailey]

From my understanding of this virus, it's the strong who will suffer the most as their/our immune systems will be fighting hardest to fight it off. It will then effect our lungs faster and we'll more than likely die first. Not so with the elderly.

I will say however that I feel pregnant woman should be treated first simply because they had the highest mortality rate during the 1918 pandemic.

 

[N.Bailey]

I voted the elderly because from what I have read, they are at most risk...people with weakened immune systems being the next in line.

I read the exact opposite Wendy. LOL

 

[Alicnwondrln]

elderly should be last esp over 80

 

[poohandwendy]

LOL, you could be right Nance,...so I change my vote to whomever would be the most affected.

 

[minnieandmickeymouse]

I voted adults, because we would need the adults to help care for the children and elderly. I have 4 kids, and if they all had the vaccine and we didn't, how would they care for themselves if we are dead?

 

[The Mystery Machine]

Other...Hospital workers, nurses, etc...

 

[DawnCt1]

EMS and hospital workers should get it first then children and elderly.

And that is the correct answer.

 

[Disney Doll]

Assuming health care people are vaccinated absoultely first, I would agree that adults, then chldren, then elderly/infirm.

Not to sound macabre, but it's a triage issue. Any good disaster triager will tell you that you do the greatest good for the greatest number who can survive.

 

[Obi-Wan Pinobi]

Actually, the people that will stand to suffer the most from the Bird Flu are those with Autoimmune Diseases that have immune systems in overdrive since the virus actually over stimulates your immune system.

Those that are weakened immunity wise will stand a better chance of getting through it than those that are "the picture of health".

I know it sounds totally backwards and I didn't believe it at first but enough literature has been given to DW MeanLaureen to prove it. Shes got an overactive immune system from the AOSD and she will be very much at risk because of it - even though her overactive immune system makes her virtually immune to things like colds and the common flu.

But to answer the question - age is a non issue I think. To me, the FIRST to get the vaccine should be the doctors/nurses/caregivers in clinics and hospitals. Overall they are needed the most.

After that it should go to people that could potentially die if their immune system goes further into overdrive.. then on down the chain according to who will be most effected.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Other...Hospital workers, nurses, etc...

I agree, plus police, firefighters, etc.

 

[Jen_in_NH]

EMS and hospital workers should get it first then children and elderly.

Yep, if they don't get the vaccine and are sick, then how will others get the vaccine?

I've read all of the articles that say adults will be the hardest hit, but I would still have to vote children. Adults can understand that they need to wash their hands frequently, not cough or sneeze on others, wear masks, etc. Children won't understand or do these things as well as adults, so would be more likely to transmit the disease.

Just my thoughts - I'm certainly not an ifectious disease person!

Jen

 

[luvwinnie]

From my understanding of this virus, it's the strong who will suffer the most as their/our immune systems will be fighting hardest to fight it off. It will then effect our lungs faster and we'll more than likely die first. Not so with the elderly.

I will say however that I feel pregnant woman should be treated first simply because they had the highest mortality rate during the 1918 pandemic.

If it's a LIVE virus vaccine, I believe pregnant woman wouldn't be able to take it...or perhaps it would still be better than "Taking the chances", but it would be risky. People with autoimmune disease (like me) and those on immunsuppressant drugs also shouldn't have LIVE vaccines.

 

[luvwinnie]

Other...Hospital workers, nurses, etc...

The OP included this in her post:
Also assume that all key people have been vaccinated (government, police, health care workers, etc.).

 

[UnderTheMistletoe]

Military should be the option and should be the first to get any vaccine. Many of our troops are actively deployed to areas of the world where Bird Fluhas already been found. Assuming that it could mutate and pass person-to-person, they could infect entire cities in no time at all. Anyone ever consider how many military personnel are stationed in and right outside of Washington, DC?