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Houston Mayor Calls for Equitable Vaccine Distribution Amidst Disparity in Minority Communities

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Mayor Sylvester Turner, accompanied by city council members, state lawmakers, and federal leaders, toured the Harris Health System's Settegast Community Health Clinic, where 600 high-risk and vulnerable individuals received the first shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. The mayor emphasized the need for a fair and equitable vaccine distribution plan that prioritizes minority and underserved communities, citing the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Hispanics and Blacks. In Houston, 43 percent of vaccine recipients are Anglo, 21 percent Hispanic, 14 percent Asian, and 18 percent African American.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Harris Health System's Settegast Community Health Clinic administered 600 Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to high-risk and vulnerable individuals through a partnership with the Houston Health Department.
  • Mayor Sylvester Turner called for a fair and equitable vaccine distribution plan that prioritizes minority and underserved communities, citing the disproportionate impact of the pandemic on Hispanics and Blacks.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected Hispanics and Blacks since its start, with 43 percent of Houston vaccine recipients being Anglo, 21 percent Hispanic, 14 percent Asian, and 18 percent African American.
  • The Houston Health Department has decided to focus on people at the highest risk of severe illness and underserved communities during the week of February 8, rather than opening new appointments.
  • 5,728 people will be scheduled to receive a second dose of the vaccination.
  • Mayor Turner and State Sen. Borris Miles have written letters to Gov. Abbott demanding a change in the amount and frequency of vaccine supplies delivered to the city of Houston and Harris County.
  • Mayor Turner and Harris County Commissioner Adrian Garcia have sent letters to President Joe Biden asking the federal government to bypass the state and send the vaccine directly to local communities.

Statistics:

  • 43% of vaccine recipients in Houston are Anglo.
  • 21% of vaccine recipients in Houston are Hispanic.
  • 14% of vaccine recipients in Houston are Asian.
  • 18% of vaccine recipients in Houston are African American.
  • 5,728 people will be scheduled to receive a second dose of the vaccination.
  • 600 individuals received their first shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Harris Health System's Settegast Community Health Clinic.

Sources:

  • "City of Houston"
  • "Houston Health Department"
  • "Mayor Sylvester Turner's Twitter"

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