Photographer: Johnny Milano / Bloomberg
Photographer: Johnny Milano / Bloomberg
New York City has cut short its vaccination against Covid-19 data by ethnicity for the first time, with the mayor highlighting a “deep problem” with racial inequality.
White residents made up nearly half of the people who received at least one dose, despite making up only a third of the population. Latinos, 29% of the city, accounted for only 15% of the vaccinated. The lowest percentage was among black residents – although they make up nearly a quarter of the city population, they accounted for only 11% of vaccinated people.
The percentage of Asians among all vaccinated residents was 15%, similar to their representation in the city.
Vaccine inequality
White residents of NYC receive a disproportionate number of Covid-19 vaccines
Vaccination records from the New York City Health Department; Population data from US Census 2019
“It is clear that we see a great deal of inequality that needs to be tackled in an aggressive and creative way,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said in a conference call on Sunday. “We have a serious problem of mistrust and hesitation, especially in color communities.”
In response, the city will now prioritize appointments for residents in the ‘task force neighborhoods’ – those with high Covid-19 death rates and cases of cases, poverty and health inequalities – and allow key workers there to book appointments for their in eligible family members on the site. Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst are among the six neighborhoods added to the task force zone.
Still, the data so far presented a limited picture, as 40% of those who received at least one dose of vaccines reported no race and ethnicity. The data is updated daily. The vaccination figures are also consistent with inequality trends seen in previous testing.
“People who have had the privilege have been able to access the tests more easily in a way,” de Blasio said.
– With the help of Henry Goldman and Shelly Banjo
(Updates detailing Taskforce neighborhoods, adds chart)