Table 5

Ethical framework for global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines

PriorityGroupEthical valuesExamples
1

  1. Frontline workers or

  2. Essential workers

Narrow social utility

  1. Healthcare workers caring for patients with the SARS-CoV-2 virus

  2. EMS, utility workers

2 People at high risk of (a) severe disease or death or
(b) infection		Help the needy, reduce health disparities, save the most lives

  1. Older adults, people with certain chronic diseases

  2. Congregate populations, racial and ethnic minorities

3 Lottery/weighted lotteryShow equal respect, build trust
/Reduce health disparities		N/A

  • EMS, emergency medical services; N/A, not applicable.