This question was answered live at the virtual conference titled, "Don’t Hesitate to Vaccinate! Our Experts Tell You Why" recorded on January 28, 2021.

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Short Answer:

The COVID vaccine prioritization phases are age-based for a purpose. The goal is to get people vaccinated who have the greatest risk of exposure and hence contracting the illness and having associated complications.

Explanation:

We started out with individuals that are at greatest risk - that is, individuals who are 75 years of age and older then we added on 65 to 74, and then for Phase 1C individuals 50 to 64 years of age, and then people that are 16 to 49 years of age who have underlying medical conditions. The strategies are age-based, but also it is embedded with the essential service workers.

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Presenters include:

Dr. Jamal Gwathney, Clinical Director, Metropolitan Correctional Center, San Diego Federal Bureau of Prisons; National Public Health Officer

Dr. Rodney Hood, President and Chairman, Multicultural Health Foundation, and Tri-Chair, COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Committee

Dr. Wilma Wooten, Public Health Officer and Director of Public Health Services, County of San Diego, Health and Human Services Agency

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* Funded by the County of San Diego in support of the Live Well San Diego vision.