Background information In 2009 a mini-epidemic of “swine-flu” broke out across the country Swine flu is a severe form of flu that combines a mix of several viruses The symptoms are similar to regular flu, just much more severe The news began reporting deaths from swine flu in September, which signaled a flurry of people wanting the H1N1 vaccine

Problem? The production of the H1N1 vaccine had been significantly delayed for multiple reasons Only 14% of the orders of the vaccine were being filled at one point In several places riots broke out at health clinics where people were told there was not enough

Problem? The FDA eventually released a statement saying that while the disease was dangerous for everyone, it was MOST dangerous to the following groups: “Pregnant women, people living with or caring for infants, emergency medical personnel and healthcare workers, children and young adults from 6 months to 24 years and any adult with chronic medical conditions”

What is this situation is scarce? Why??? Is it limited? Is it desirable? Since it is both limited and desirable, it is considered scarce!

Decision time You are the manager of a local health clinic. You have 3 doses of the H1N1 vaccine left. The following 9 people come to you for help, to which 3 will you give the vaccine?

Who gets the vaccine?

Who gets the vaccine? Which resource allocation strategies did you use in your decisions? Price Personal Characteristic Majority Rule Competition Force Sharing Lottery Authority First-come, first-served