UW-Madison: Researchers develop tool to help with equitable distribution of vaccine

MADISON (CBS 58) -- Researchers at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health and UW Health have developed a tool to help equitably distribute limited COVID-19 vaccines. 

According to a press release issued Friday, Jan. 15, the tool uses a person's age and socioeconomic status to prioritize vaccine distribution among people who otherwise share similar risks due to their jobs. 

The tool was designed with the phase 1A in mind, but can be used as vaccine distribution expands. 

"Given that COVID-19 has been really hitting certain communities, I felt that this was tremendous that they did this," said Grace Flood, Medical Director for Clinical Analytics and Reporting at UW-Health. 

UW Health has used the algorithm to provide doses to frontline health care workers, the release said.