Track: Undergraduate Student Paper Competition

Abstract

As we enter the new year, two companies’ COVID-19 vaccines have been authorized for emergency use in the United States. While they are only in the beginning stages of distribution, we have already seen many complications in the United States as each state has a unique policy on its distribution process. Within the state of California, the different counties are dealing with COVID-19 differently depending on the size of the population and geographical location. Depending on these factors, the counties throughout the state have their own ways of distributing the vaccine that is advised by the state. Even though each county has its own distribution method, California as a whole ranked 35th out of the 50 states for efficiency in vaccine distribution as of February 28, 2021. With the efficiency so low, and cases at an all-time high, states need to more effectively distribute the vaccine to those who need it most: at-risk individuals, frontline healthcare workers, and older adults. With the discovery of a new strain, counties within the state must properly contain the spread while administering vaccines in order for the country to rebound from extended lockdowns. Our paper addresses the distribution of the vaccine within California and provides insight on how the state can effectively and adequately do so.