“Even from the very beginning, 77088 was high with COVID-19,” said Susie Molina, whose parents live in Acres Homes zip code.
For almost 52 years, Lydia Rodriguez and her husband were inseparable. Then COVID-19 struck.
Lydia contracted the virus and died.
“We just have to be thankful that my dad is doing well,” Susie said. “We have heard so many stories that both family members have died.”
Data proves that stories like Susie’s are all too common.
Statistics on the number of vaccination rates by zip code from the Houston Health Department are surprising.
In the map above, the orange areas, which largely consist of zip codes in North, Northeast, and Southeast Houston, show only 1-4% penetration of vaccination coverage.
Meanwhile, the black-colored areas, which are loosely shaped like an “arrow” extending from the center to Memorial, have much higher vaccination rates.
The area near the Medical Center has a dazzling 35% vaccination rate, while Bellaire and West University Place hover around 20%.
“I wish I could say I was surprised, but there is so much clear evidence that health differences exist between zip codes,” said pediatrician Dr. Joyee Vachani, who happens to live in Bellaire. “It’s such an access to healthcare, depending on the geographic location where you are.”
Within Bellaire about 21% of the residents are vaccinated. That area is benefiting not only from its prosperity but also from the large number of medical workers in the community who had early access to the vaccine.
County Judge Lina Hidalgo says data shows early vaccine recipients were disproportionately white and Asian. She says some of that is due to the first vaccination of medical personnel, but also says inequalities are an ongoing concern.
“A percentage of the county’s vaccines go to community health centers that only serve low-income residents. Some go to Harris Health clinics, which also serve low-income neighborhoods,” Hidalgo said. “We are working to build more sites across the country so people can get to sites more easily.”
But until vaccine supplies increase dramatically, getting them into those communities will remain a challenge.
Keep track of the availability and progress of the COVID-19 vaccine in Houston
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