Should we focus the vaccine on those over 65? Seems like a good idea

I’ve become convinced that creating a short term of goal of vaccinating all Americans over 65 by a certain date — let’s say the middle of April — is something the Biden Administration should seriously consider.

The health benefits are clear. Seniors are the part of our population most likely to be hospitalized and die. Prioritizing over 65s will save the most lives. Keeping people out of the hospital will also save a lot of money, and allow hospitals to go more on offense against COVID and delayed health care needs. It will also give our beleaguered health care professionals a desperately needed respite (here’s another good essay on why this is a good idea from the Washington Post).

Getting “seniors vaccinated” also allows us to have a big collective win against COVID, something that may be psychologically important for a country eager for a clear victory against the pandemic. As it would come in the spring, it would contribute to a nationwide sense of renewal, of a return to possibility. It will help create a sense of “yes we can” momentum which will help us as the vaccine program scales up later in the spring.

By creating a dialog now around an entire class of people getting vaccinated, it will also force the public health system and our governments to begin to learn how to…