Preparedness planning often centers on healthy adults, yet children, older adults, and medically fragile individuals are among those most affected during public health emergencies.

These populations face unique vulnerabilities:

• Medication and equipment dependence
• Limited mobility or communication ability
• Reliance on caregivers and support systems
• Higher risk of complications during disruptions

For children, disasters disrupt not only physical safety but emotional security, education, and development. For older adults, emergencies may mean isolation, medication interruption, or inability to evacuate safely.

Preparedness must be tailored, not generic. Planning for vulnerable populations requires coordination across healthcare, social services, schools, and community organizations.

Preparedness that fails to account for vulnerability places the burden of survival on those least able to carry it.

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