Photographer: Johnny Milano / Bloomberg
Photographer: Johnny Milano / Bloomberg
New York City breaks its vaccine against Covid-19 data for the first time by ethnicity, with the mayor underlining a “major problem” with racial inequality.
White residents made up nearly half of the people who received at least one dose, even though they made up only a third of the population. Latinos, 29% of the city, make up only 15% of those vaccinated. The lowest percentage was among black residents – although they make up almost a quarter of the city’s population, they were only 11% of the vaccinated.
The percentage of Asians among all vaccinated was 15%, similar to their representation in the city.
Vaccine variety
White residents of NYC get excessive number of vaccines against Covid-19
New York Department of Health vaccination data; Population data from the 2019 U.S. Census
“It’s clear we’re seeing a big difference that needs to be addressed aggressively and creatively,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a conference 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 mortality rates and cases, poverty and health disparities – and allow essential workers there to book appointments for their suitable family members on-site. Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst are one of six neighborhoods added to the task force.
The data have so far shown a limited picture, as 40% of those who received at least one dose of vaccines did not report race and ethnicity. The data will be updated daily. The vaccination numbers also correspond to the inequality trends tested earlier.
“People with a privilege could in a certain way gain easier access to the testing,” de Blasio said.
– Assisted by Henry Goldman and Shelly Banjo
(Updates detailing Taskforce neighborhoods, add chart)