First vaccine data in New York reveals deep racial inequality

Photographer: Johnny Milano / Bloomberg

New York halted its vaccination against Covid-19 data by ethnicity for the first time, with the mayor pointing to a “deep problem” of racial inequality.

White residents made up almost half of those who received at least one dose, although they only make up a third of the population. Latinos, 29% of the city, made up only 15% of those vaccinated. The lowest ratio was among black residents – even though they make up nearly a quarter of the city’s population, they made up only 11% of those vaccinated.

The percentage of Asians among all vaccinated residents was 15%, similar to their representation in the city.

Vaccine disparity

White New York Residents Receive Disproportionate Number of Covid-19 Vaccines

Immunization data from the New York City Department of Health; 2019 U.S. Census Demographics

“Clearly, we see a deep disparity that needs to be addressed aggressively and creatively,” Mayor Bill de Blasio said on a conference call Sunday. “We have a deep problem of mistrust and reluctance, especially in communities of color.”

In response, the city will now prioritize appointments for residents of “task force neighborhoods” – those with high mortality and Covid-19 rates, poverty and health disparities – and will allow essential workers to make appointments for eligible family members on-site. Jackson Heights and East Elmhurst are among the six wards added to the task force area.

Still, the data has painted a limited picture so far, as 40% of those who have received at least one dose of the vaccine have not reported their race and ethnicity. The data will be updated daily. The vaccination figures also correspond to the trends in inequalities observed with previous tests.

“The people who were privileged were able to access the tests more easily in certain ways,” said de Blasio.

– With the help of Henry Goldman and Shelly Banjo

(Updates with details on Taskforce quarters, adds graph)