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Exploring the ethics of genetic prioritisation for COVID-19 vaccines
Jago Bruce1, Stephanie B Johnson2
1Wellcome Centre for Ethics and Humanities and Ethox Centre, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Big Data Institute, Oxford, OX3 7LF, USA.
Abstract:
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).
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