The Equitable and Ethical Distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccines: A Jewish and Secular Approach

Date

2021-11

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

YU Faculty Profile

Abstract

This paper will examine the Jewish and secular fundamentals of medical ethics and compare these two perspectives as it relates to vaccination triaging. I will begin by delving into the role that preventative medicine plays in Judaism, followed by an exploration into the fundamental halachik principles of triaging, and then review the leading religious authorities’ thoughts on practical vaccination prioritization. Then, I will explore the foundational tenets of secular medical ethics and triaging, followed by an in-depth understanding of the vaccination allocation plan suggested by the CDC. Through this discussion, I will investigate the different considerations that are made in times of triaging, both in Jewish and secular thought, and understand how closely they relate to one another. (from Introduction)

Description

Yeshiva College honors thesis / YU only

Keywords

COVID-19, vaccines, distribution of vaccines, medical ethics, Jewish ethics

Citation

Hanelin, D.G. (2021, November), The Equitable and Ethical Distribution of the COVID-19 Vaccines: A Jewish and Secular Approach, (Undergraduate honors thesis), Yeshiva University.