Exploring the ethics of genetic prioritisation for COVID-19 vaccines.

Bruce J., Johnson SB.

There is evidence to suggest that host genomic factors may account for disease response variability in COVID-19 infection. In this paper, we consider if and how host genomics should influence decisions about vaccine allocation. Three potential host genetic factors are explored: vulnerability to infection, resistance to infection, and increased infectivity. We argue for the prioritisation of the genetically vulnerable in vaccination schemes, and evaluate the potential for ethical de-prioritisation of individuals with genetic markers for resistance. Lastly, we discuss ethical prioritisation of individuals with genetic markers for increased infectivity (those more likely to spread COVID-19).

DOI

10.1038/s41431-022-01058-1

Type

Journal article

Publication Date

2022-08-01T00:00:00+00:00

Volume

30

Pages

875 - 879

Total pages

4

Keywords

COVID-19, COVID-19 Vaccines, Genetic Markers, Humans, Vaccination

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