01-13-2021, 06:11 AM
I watched meeting 7 tonight. It was called to discuss the call by CDC and HHS for the states to open up immediately to 65+ and 16-64 with co-morbidity.
The proposed language change to California priorities was basically changing Phase 1B Tier 1 to say "65+" rather than "75+". 16-64 with co-morbidity was, for now, left where it was (Phase 1B Tier 2)
So, the proposal did not meet the CDC's recommendation of immediately, nor did it advance the 16-64 +co-morbidity at all.
The reasons for making this change were discussed early. The older people are the ones dying and filling the hospitals. No data was presented.
The estimated number given for the additional ages (ie, the increase in the size of Phase 1B Tier 1) was given as 4.25M. No mention was made that the movement slows vaccine only for those already in Phase 1B Tier 1 (by sharing the slot) and the priority (vs sharing) over those in Phase 1B Tier 2.
There was an estimate of 2M vaccines per month for California.
There was general recognition that the change made sense, for deaths, for hospital usage during the surge. Representatives of specific groups of essential workers had some concerns, but generally there was support for the change. There were other issues discussed (particularly some LTCF facilities (primarily assisted living) have no date yet for vaccinations, need for consistent implementation, etc).
There was no vote or poll on this change. Apparently this group only voices issues, but doesn't put a common voice forward.
So, shortly, I expect 65+ will be in Phase 1B Tier 1, but like 14-64 with comorbidity will still be in Phase 1B Tier 2.
The proposed language change to California priorities was basically changing Phase 1B Tier 1 to say "65+" rather than "75+". 16-64 with co-morbidity was, for now, left where it was (Phase 1B Tier 2)
So, the proposal did not meet the CDC's recommendation of immediately, nor did it advance the 16-64 +co-morbidity at all.
The reasons for making this change were discussed early. The older people are the ones dying and filling the hospitals. No data was presented.
The estimated number given for the additional ages (ie, the increase in the size of Phase 1B Tier 1) was given as 4.25M. No mention was made that the movement slows vaccine only for those already in Phase 1B Tier 1 (by sharing the slot) and the priority (vs sharing) over those in Phase 1B Tier 2.
There was an estimate of 2M vaccines per month for California.
There was general recognition that the change made sense, for deaths, for hospital usage during the surge. Representatives of specific groups of essential workers had some concerns, but generally there was support for the change. There were other issues discussed (particularly some LTCF facilities (primarily assisted living) have no date yet for vaccinations, need for consistent implementation, etc).
There was no vote or poll on this change. Apparently this group only voices issues, but doesn't put a common voice forward.
So, shortly, I expect 65+ will be in Phase 1B Tier 1, but like 14-64 with comorbidity will still be in Phase 1B Tier 2.