Letter to the editor: Focus energy on vaccine rollout

People are outraged by the events at the Capitol on Jan. 6. However, that outrage would be better placed elsewhere. Namely the slow distribution of, and inoculation with, the covid-19 vaccine. What government activity could, or should, have a higher priority?

The vaccine was approved for emergency use Dec. 11. Since then, the inoculation rate has been less than stellar. By early January, it was estimated less than 16% of the nursing homes had received vaccines. Some states are doing better, others worse. A Tribune-Review article indicated only half of Pennsylvania nursing homes have administered inoculations, and Redstone Highlands was administering its first Jan. 11 (“Redstone Highlands’ Greensburg staffers, residents get covid vaccines; about half of Pa. nursing homes have been treated”). Another article indicated Pennsylvania administered 285,671 doses but has received over 800,000 doses (“Pa. health secretary says ‘it’s a misconception’ that covid vaccines are sitting dormant”). One would think a higher percentage of nursing homes would have performed more inoculations by now.

Why the slow rollout? Some states have said they don’t have the money, or there was no federal plan. These are excuses. Don’t build a bridge or pave a highway, or take funds from some other project. What could be more important?

Likewise, states would know best how to roll out the vaccine within their respective states. State leaders knew the vaccine was coming. The CDC issued guidelines, and HHS issued distribution plans in September.

Instead of directing outrage at past events, time and effort would be much better directed in saving people’s lives.

Tom Cerra

Latrobe