COVID-19 vaccine prioritization of incarcerated people relative to other vulnerable groups: An analysis of state plans.
Rachel J StrodelLauren DaytonHenri M Garrison-DesanyGabriel EberChris BeyrerJoyell ArscottLeonard RubensteinCarolyn SufrinPublished in: PloS one (2021)
This study demonstrates that states' COVID-19 vaccine allocation plans do not prioritize incarcerated people and provide little to no guidance on vaccination protocols if they fall under other high-risk categories that receive earlier priority. Deprioritizing incarcerated people for vaccination misses a crucial opportunity for COVID-19 mitigation. It also raises ethical and equity concerns. As states move forward with their vaccine distribution, further work must be done to prioritize ethical allocation and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines to incarcerated people.