Ethical Issues - It has become necessary to ration a vaccine

Ethical Issues

It has become necessary to ration a vaccine for a contagious disease. There is only enough vaccine available to cover 25% of the U.S. population. It is now crucial to determine an appropriate method to ensure coverage for 100% of the U.S. population, but how?

Instructions:

1. Re-read the statement above and reflect on a possible solution.
2. Examine the following theories below:
   1. Utilitarianism
   2. Rights-based
   3. Duty-based
   4. Justice-based
   5. Virtue-based
3. Please answer the following question:
   • Is there any combination of the above theories or another theory that would guide you to a more ethical solution for distribution and the right order of distribution? Do you think that leads you to a dilemma? Why or why not?