A new analysis has found that Black and Latino Americans are receiving a COVID vaccine at significantly lower rates compared to White Americans.
So far, only 17 states have currently been reporting some vaccination data of people’s race and ethnicity, with 16 of those states providing a full distribution of vaccinations based on race and ethnicity.
In those 16 states, the number of COVID cases among Black Americans is greater than their share of the vaccinations. In 15 states, their number of the death toll is much greater than their share of the vaccinations.
For instance, in Mississippi, Black Americans account for 38% of coronavirus cases and 42% of deaths. However, only 15% of those vaccinated are Black residents. Similarly, in Maryland, only 17% of Black residents received the vaccine.
Also, this type of trend was seen among Latino Americans in those 16 states.
White Americans received a larger share of the vaccinations than their share of coronavirus cases and death toll, according to a Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) analysis.
Nationwide, Black and Latino Americans are dying from COVID thrice the rate of White Americans. Besides, they are hospitalized from COVID at four times the rate, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Last week, the Biden administration released its national COVID response plan, which included addressing the racial disparities within the healthcare system.
Biden also created the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force – the plan that directly addresses the racial disparities in the ongoing pandemic.
The plan states, “The task force would expand the availability of testing and vaccines in communities of color, and other underserved communities, ensure that new clinical treatments are developed to serve diverse Americans, and safely reopen our schools so that children who are facing disproportionately high risks of learning loss can get back into the classroom.”
Due to past treatment, Black Americans have a stronger distrust towards the healthcare system. For instance, the medical community used Black bodies without their consent for the development of treatments and technologies.
Susan Rice, Director of the United States Domestic Policy Council, said communities of color have “very valid historical reasons” to be “skeptical and reluctant” about vaccinations. However, she said the Biden administration would priorities building this trust back.
“The campaign was designed with diversity and inclusivity in mind, including communications in multiple languages, to maximize reach and effectiveness,” the plan stated. The article was published in the Independent.
