Table 4. Score of each target population based on allocation criteria (results based on opinions of 13 experts).
| Target population | Risk of severe morbidity and mortality | Protection of social function | Risk of transmission to vulnerable populations | Risk of acquiring infection | Implementation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-risk healthcare workers | 2.6 ± 1.0 | 4.8 ± 0.4 | 4.8 ± 0.4 | 4.7 ± 0.5 | 4.8 ± 0.4 |
| Other healthcare workers | 2.4 ± 0.9 | 3.7 ± 0.8 | 3.8 ± 1.1 | 3.5 ± 0.8 | 3.8 ± 0.9 |
| COVID-19 support services | 2.5 ± 1.1 | 4.8 ± 0.4 | 3.8 ± 0.8 | 4.8 ± 0.4 | 4.5 ± 0.7 |
| Police, firefighters, soldiers | 1.7 ± 0.6 | 4.4 ± 1.0 | 2.1 ± 0.8 | 2.6 ± 0.8 | 3.7 ± 1.2 |
| Other critical workersa | 1.7 ± 0.6 | 3.8 ± 0.9 | 1.9 ± 0.8 | 2.1 ± 0.8 | 2.7 ± 0.8 |
| Preschool children (0–6 years) | 1.3 ± 0.5 | 1.1 ± 0.3 | 2.4 ± 1.0 | 1.6 ± 0.5 | 1.8 ± 0.8 |
| Elementary school age (7–12 years) | 1.2 ± 0.4 | 1.1 ± 0.3 | 2.0 ± 0.7 | 2.0 ± 0.6 | 2.1 ± 1.0 |
| Middle/high school age (13–18 years) | 1.2 ± 0.4 | 1.2 ± 0.4 | 1.6 ± 0.8 | 2.4 ± 0.5 | 2.3 ± 0.9 |
| Adults (19–49 years) | 1.5 ± 0.5 | 1.9 ± 1.0 | 2.0 ± 0.9 | 2.8 ± 0.7 | 1.9 ± 0.8 |
| Adults (50–64 years) | 2.7 ± 0.9 | 2.0 ± 1.0 | 2.2 ± 1.2 | 2.8 ± 0.7 | 2.6 ± 0.9 |
| Older adults (≥ 65 years) | 4.3 ± 0.6 | 1.4 ± 0.8 | 3.5 ± 0.8 | 2.9 ± 1.0 | 3.6 ± 0.8 |
| Older adults residing in care homes | 5.0 ± 0.0 | 1.2 ± 0.6 | 4.8 ± 0.4 | 3.8 ± 1.1 | 4.6 ± 0.5 |
| Adults with significant comorbidity | 4.5 ± 0.5 | 1.7 ± 0.9 | 2.5 ± 1.1 | 2.7 ± 0.9 | 3.5 ± 1.0 |
| Adults with moderate comorbidity | 3.9 ± 0.6 | 1.8 ± 0.8 | 2.3 ± 0.8 | 2.5 ± 0.8 | 2.9 ± 0.9 |
| People in group homes (except older adults) | 2.5 ± 1.1 | 1.4 ± 0.7 | 2.7 ± 1.1 | 3.1 ± 0.9 | 3.3 ± 0.9 |
| Teachers and relevant staff | 1.5 ± 0.5 | 2.8 ± 0.8 | 2.0 ± 1.1 | 2.3 ± 0.6 | 2.6 ± 0.8 |
| Incarcerated/detained people and staff | 2.1 ± 0.8 | 2.4 ± 1.4 | 2.2 ± 1.0 | 2.6 ± 1.1 | 3.0 ± 1.0 |
| Pregnancy | 2.5 ± 1.1 | 1.5 ± 0.8 | 1.8 ± 0.9 | 1.8 ± 0.6 | 2.0 ± 1.2 |
| Close contacts of older adults or people with comorbid conditions | 1.8 ± 0.7 | 1.7 ± 0.9 | 4.0 ± 1.1 | 2.5 ± 0.8 | 2.4 ± 1.0 |
Each population group was rated on a 5-point scale based on the allocation criteria: 1 (least importance) to 5 (absolute importance). The mean values of the 13 experts' opinions are indicated. Based on the mean value, the 5-point scale was divided into 3 equal parts and marked in different colors: 1 to 2.3 points, white (low score); above 2.3 and less than 3.6, light orange (medium score); and above 3.6, dark orange (high score). Values are presented as mean ± standard deviation of 5-point scale.
aCritical infrastructure workers who are indispensable for the public to maintain daily life (e.g., energy and water supply, transportation system).