"We Should Be at the Back of the Line": A Frame Analysis of Old Age Within the Distribution Order of the COVID-19 Vaccine. (17th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Allen, Laura D; Odziemczyk, Idalina Z; Perek-Białas, Jolanta; Ayalon, Liat
• Editors: Bowers, Barbara J
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 61:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1317
• Page End: 1325
• Publication Date: 2021-07-17
• Subjects: Ageism -- Frame analysis -- Internet-based data -- Social contribution -- Vulnerability; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab094
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objectives: In the fall of 2020, it became clear that the initial doses of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine would be limited, and a priority order would be necessary. This article examines the perceptions of old age in the context of establishing a priority order for the COVID-19 vaccine from the perspective of online newspaper commenters. Two research questions are investigated: (a) How do commenters place older people in line for the COVID-19 vaccine? and (b) What frames and factors do commenters use as reasoning for their proposed position of older adults? Research Design and Methods: This study involves a frame analysis of 440 online comments on an article published by The New York Times on December 1, 2020 about the U.S. recommendations for distributing the coronavirus vaccine. Results: Older adults were referenced as belonging to one of the 3 groups: older long-term care residents, older workers, and older adults retired and/or isolating at home. Two frames emerged from the data as criteria for prioritization: social contribution and vulnerability. Older commenters themselves frequently stated that they should be deprioritized so that others can be inoculated earlier. Discussion and Implications: The findings may be interpreted as demonstrative of pervasive ageism throughout the pandemic; older commenters' sacrificial remarks may reflect generativity, internalized ageism, social pressure from online forums, or some combination thereof.