There’s a significant issue with unequal access to COVID vaccinations, and it involves much more than just increasing the availability of doses to underserved communities. It’s not merely about the vaccines not reaching some of the most vulnerable populations in our nation; it’s about highlighting the racial disparities that Black and Brown individuals have faced for far too long, disparities that the pandemic has only intensified. We need to confront these challenges now, as our society reckons with its history of marginalizing those who sought to live on lands not meant for them.
Black and Brown individuals frequently find themselves as an afterthought when laws and policies (including COVID vaccine distributions) are developed for the American public. We are part of this nation too, yet we are deprioritized at every turn. Consequently, entire families are suffering, and communities are struggling to recover from COVID-19 infections—especially those living in close quarters with older relatives or working on the frontlines.
As New York Governor James Thompson pointed out in a recent interview with CNN, “Relying solely on traditional healthcare systems is insufficient because we are facing health care deserts. If you depend only on private healthcare, you won’t reach those in need.” These health care deserts exist nationwide and are filled with individuals who have been overlooked for far too long.
In Virginia, for instance, where 19% of residents are Black and account for 21% of COVID infections and 24% of related deaths, only 12% of vaccinations have been administered to Black individuals. Meanwhile, communities such as Latinx populations, which represent over 18% of the national demographic, often go uncounted. This raises critical questions: Why are entire communities not prioritized for this essential vaccine? Why aren’t frontline workers—including service industry employees and educators—considered a top priority for vaccination? Our nation’s values appear fractured, as the worth of certain individuals seems to take precedence over others.
During the initial month of vaccination distribution, from December 14, 2020, to January 14, 2021, the CDC’s report notably excluded minorities from its summary. They stated, “Approximately 13,000,000 individuals received at least one dose of the vaccine. Among those with demographic information, 63.0% were women, 55.0% were aged 50 years or older, and 60.4% were non-Hispanic White.”
The issue at hand transcends vaccine shortages or health care deserts. The root of the inequities lies in racism. It wasn’t until the latter part of the CDC’s report that Black, Brown, Hispanic, and other racial groups were even acknowledged. The marginalized communities missing out on vaccine access have also missed out on essential opportunities such as education, nutritious food, and safe living conditions.
Fortunately, we now have a president who seems invested in addressing these racial inequities. Dr. Ava Johnson, appointed to lead the Health Equity Task Force, emphasizes that “We cannot implement an equitable vaccination program without comprehensive data to steer us.” She added that upcoming CDC data on race and vaccine uptake is crucial, although there is concern about how much progress we have yet to make. Addressing these significant disparities will require earnest discussions, but ensuring vaccines reach the most affected communities should be a straightforward priority for the government.
In states like Pennsylvania, disparities in vaccination rates are stark; white individuals are vaccinated three times more than Black individuals. A report in the Philadelphia Inquirer highlights that the uninsured rate among Black adults significantly decreased from 2013 to 2018, yet it remains disproportionately high compared to their white counterparts.
Additionally, we cannot ignore the trust issues many communities, particularly the Black community, have with the healthcare system. Historical injustices—such as the exploitation of Black bodies in medical experiments or the denial of treatment during the Tuskegee Study—have fostered deep-seated skepticism. A December 2020 poll from the Kaiser Family Foundation revealed that 35% of Black adults are hesitant to receive the vaccine, with many citing general distrust and fears of contracting the virus from the vaccine itself.
We cannot reverse centuries of injustice within a matter of days, nor can we expect to mend the wounds of the past in just a few months. However, we can take steps today to save lives tomorrow. We must learn from history and ensure that every individual is counted and valued. States should diligently track vaccination data and ensure equitable access, even in healthcare deserts or among those who may be skeptical of the vaccine.
After all, regardless of their choices, everyone should have the opportunity to make informed decisions about their health.
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Summary:
The COVID-19 vaccination rollout has highlighted significant racial disparities in healthcare, with Black and Brown communities often overlooked. Despite being heavily affected by the pandemic, these populations have not received their fair share of vaccines. The root causes of these inequities are deeply rooted in systemic racism, compounded by historical mistrust in the healthcare system. Moving forward, it is crucial to ensure equitable access to vaccines and to prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.
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