# Why categories 1a, 1b...?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-categories-1a-1b/937360>\
**Category:** The Quarantine Zone\
**Tags:** covid-quarantine\
**Created:** [March 6, 2021, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-categories-1a-1b/937360 "2021-03-06T21:39:51Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![crowmanyclouds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/crowmanyclouds/32/19884_2.png) [@crowmanyclouds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/crowmanyclouds)\
**Post date:** [March 7, 2021, 10:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-categories-1a-1b/937360/21 "2021-03-07T22:47:46Z")

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> [@BigT](#):
>
> I would expect it was designed hierarchically because that is how the plan was developed. They first went high level, dividing people into 3 groups: those of high risk, medium risk, and low risk. Then, once they got that ironed out, they needed to who to prioritize within those groups, resulting in further subdivisions.

There aren’t three groups in the “They first” the three groups are only in the Phase 1 of, apparently only, two ‘phases’. And, if I haven’t already said it, it appears that Phase 1 was broken up into three groups because there was a projected shortage of vaccine, and for no other reason.  
(I’d note “Phase 1, Group A” is only “high risk” for definitions of ‘high risk’ that are not consistent within that group.)

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**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\
**Post date:** [March 8, 2021, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/why-categories-1a-1b/937360/22 "2021-03-08T14:36:42Z")

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> [@BigT](#):
>
> At least, it’s easier for me to think that way. My dad has a preexisting condition, so he’s in group 1. But he’s not in an at risk occupation, nor is he over 65. So he’s in group 1C.

I’m in the same situation as your dad. Especially as I see more and more people getting vaccs whom I do not personally perceive as more at risk than me, and as I see more and more people game the system, and as I see huge geographic discrepancies, the idea that I am given priority seems pretty meaningless. Being described as 1C has absolutely no significance to me rather than 3, blue, or any other conceivable designation. In fact, I think the subcategories somewhat offensive, as they suggest a precision that does not mesh with reality (i.e. a 25-yr-old smoker gets priority over a healthy 62-yr-old.)

It might be of SOME comfort if they designated some subcategories of 2 (which they may in the future). Because it seems pretty well established that all ostensibly healthy folk under age 65 are not equally at risk.

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