Question

The Center for Disease Control ("CDC") identifies an unfamiliar strain of influenza ("J6D5") in Minnesota. While little is known about J6D5, it is determined to be transmitted through respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious. Based on the documented cases of J6D5, the populations most susceptible to the virus are infants, the elderly and the already immunocompromised. Additionally, the majority of the cases have been reported in densely populated urban settings. Researchers and scientists quickly discover a vaccine for J6D5; however, it can only be produced in relatively small batches. As the public health ethics expert for the state, you are called in to assess the above and answer three questions: 1) Is this a pandemic? Why or why not? 2) Should the government make a public announcement about J6D5? Why or why not? 3) How should the vaccine be allocated? In other words, what population should receive the first batch? Second batch? Third? Please be specific and explain how and why you came to these decisions.

Answer 1

No . It is not a pandemic as the disease has not spread yet. It is just the discovery of new strain and pandemic is the spread of a disease over a large geographical area.

Yes. Government should make the public announcement but with complete and accurate information to avoid fear in public.

First batch should include those who are essential to the pandemic response and provide care for persons who are ill,Second for those who maintain national security and essential community services, and in third batch, children and pregnant women and workers who are at greater risk of infection due to their job should be covered.
because first batch people will the one who will face diseased people first and they are at risk. Second batch is those protecting our borders . So for nation safety, they should be vaccinated on priority basis and third batch includes vulnerable population