PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Nancy S Jecker
AU  - Aaron G Wightman
AU  - Douglas S Diekema
TI  - Vaccine ethics: an ethical framework for global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines
AID  - 10.1136/medethics-2020-107036
DP  - 2021 May 01
TA  - Journal of Medical Ethics
PG  - 308--317
VI  - 47
IP  - 5
4099  - http://jme.bmj.com/content/47/5/308.short
4100  - http://jme.bmj.com/content/47/5/308.full
SO  - J Med Ethics2021 May 01; 47
AB  - This paper addresses the just distribution of vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 virus and sets forth an ethical framework that prioritises frontline and essential workers, people at high risk of severe disease or death, and people at high risk of infection. Section I makes the case that vaccine distribution should occur at a global level in order to accelerate development and fair, efficient vaccine allocation. Section II puts forth ethical values to guide vaccine distribution including helping people with the greatest need, reducing health disparity, saving the most lives and promoting narrow social utility. It also responds to objections which claim that earlier years have more value than later years. Section III puts forth a practical ethical framework to aid decision-makers and compares it with alternatives.