“Right from the start, 77088 was high with COVID-19,” said Susie Molina, whose parents live in the Acres Homes zip code.
For nearly 52 years, Lydia Rodriguez and her husband were inseparable. Then hit COVID-19.
Lydia contracted the virus and died.
“We just have to be thankful that my dad is right,” Susie said. “We heard so many stories that both family members died.”
Data proves that stories like Susie’s are too common.
Statistics on the number of vaccinations per zip code of the Houston Department of Health are striking.
On the map above, the orange areas, which largely consist of zip codes in the north, northeast, and southeast of Houston, show only 1-4% of the vaccine figures.
Meanwhile, the areas colored black loosely formed like an ‘arrow’ stretching from downtown to Memorial, much higher vaccines.
The area near the Medical Center has a striking vaccination rate of 35%, while Bellaire and West University Place are about 20%.
“I wish I could say I was surprised, but there is so much clear evidence that health inequalities exist under zip codes,” said Dr. Joyee Vachani, pediatrician, who lives in Bellaire, said. “It’s such an access to healthcare problem, just depending on what geographical location you are in.”
In Bellaire, about 21% of the population is vaccinated. This area not only benefits from wealth but also the large number of medical workers who live in the community and had early access to the vaccine.
District Judge Lina Hidalgo says data show that the early vaccine recipients were excessively white and Asian. She says some of it is due to the initial vaccination of medical staff, but also says that inequalities are a constant concern.
“A percentage of the country’s vaccines go to the 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 throughout the province, so it’s easier for people to go to sites.”
Until the vaccine supply increases dramatically, it will still be a challenge to get it in those communities.
Track COVID-19 vaccine availability and progress in Houston
Follow Miya Shay on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Copyright © 2021 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.