Vaccine Distribution Scandal: CDC Prioritizes Wall Street over Americans

Strategic Insights -

President Obama's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has been criticized for approving the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine to Wall Street firms, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase, while the vaccine remains scarce and inaccessible to most Americans. According to a recent report, 13 companies have been cleared to receive the vaccine, despite the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommending its allocation to those at highest risk, such as pregnant women, infants, and children, and healthcare workers.

This decision has sparked outrage among critics, who argue that it is an example of corporate patronage and a continuation of the Bush administration's policies. Melanie Sloan, executive director of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW), stated that it is likely that the vast majority of employees at these companies are not in high-risk groups. The lack of vaccine availability has been highlighted by recent news reports, which indicate that only 32.3 million doses are available, far short of the 159 million needed to cover those at the highest risk.

Key Takeaways:

  • The CDC has prioritized the distribution of the H1N1 vaccine to Wall Street firms, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, and JP Morgan Chase, while the vaccine remains scarce and inaccessible to most Americans.
  • The CDC has recommended the vaccine be directed only to those at highest risk, including pregnant women, infants, and children, and healthcare workers.
  • 13 companies, including the aforementioned Wall Street firms, have been cleared to receive the vaccine.
  • The Department of HHS has been criticized for approving the distribution of the vaccine to these companies.
  • The lack of vaccine availability has been highlighted by recent news reports, which indicate that only 32.3 million doses are available, far short of the 159 million needed to cover those at the highest risk.

Statistical Breakdown:

  • 32.3 million doses of vaccine are available, according to the CDC.
  • 159 million doses are needed to cover those at the highest risk, according to the CDC.
  • 13 companies, including Wall Street firms, have been cleared to receive the vaccine.

Sources:

  • "Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW)"
  • "Ameriblog"
  • "Centers for Disease Control (CDC)"
  • "Health and Human Service (HHS)"
  • Melanie Sloan, executive director of CREW
  • John Aravosis, author at Ameriblog