Vaccinating

THERE ARE at least one hundred and sixty five vaccines being prepared against covid 19. Thirty two of them are already in human trials, and several have reached the final stages of teh trials, nearly ready for production, distribution, and utilization. Inevitably there will be a vaccine, maybe many different ones, unless greedy corporate capitalism reduces the number to one. If ever an economic problem called for cooperative solutions, this is it. Then comes the problem of inoculating seven and a half billion people, and in what order. Historically the world's wealthiest countries have hoarded limited medical supplies, and left the table scraps to the developing nations. That method, if employed this time, might cause more problems than it solves. climate change and poverty are already creating millions of desperate refugees from impoverished countries. An uncontrolled pandemic, unmitigated by any massive vaccination program, would exacerbate the chaos. Everyone agrees that front line health care workers should be first in line. Then who? Those withunderlyiing health concerns, the elderly, and the young, one might think. It is well documented and well known that in the United States ethnic minorities, especially African-Americans and Latinos, are disproportionately afflicted. Should there be an affirmative action vaccination program? For certain, politicala, more than socio-economic or demographic considerations will determine the answers to these complicated questions. But it is almost equally certain thay when all is said and done, the most accurate way to explain who got vaccinated where and when will be, as always, to follow the money.