Jumping to the front of the line

As expected, it seems that if you have influence, power or money you will be able to jump to the front of the line for a COVID vaccine. All we hear from politicians is that we need to protect our most vulnerable first and one life is too many to lose. Yet you read the paper and the headlines show government employees and some of their family getting the first vaccines. Why do young representatives (Lauren Underwood), officials' wives (Mrs. Pence) or husbands get to the front of the line? Why does Lori Lightfoot? People with much higher risks are not getting the vaccine.

We are told the order is first responders and health care workers, nursing home residents and workers and then essential workers. Where do politicians fall? Through intense lobbying, essential and critical workers are up to 70% of the working public. Some seniors may be waiting a long time.

If you are over 65, no underlying health conditions and don't live in a nursing home there is no indication that the vaccine is on the way. This group, along with those in nursing homes, have 80% of the deaths but look to be very far down the line for a vaccine.

One could argue that if you wanted to prevent people from dying, you would start with anyone over 65 and then go to first responders. In any case some are getting the vaccine very early but many are being pushed to the middle or back of the line by people of influence, power or money.

Ken Maltas

Prospect Heights