The Office of The Bronx Borough President

08/19/2022 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/19/2022 19:30

BP GIBSON ON MONKEYPOX VACCINE DEMOGRAPHIC DATA

New data from the NYC Department of Health & Mental Hygiene indicates while more than 23% of vaccines administered have gone to Latino New Yorkers - who make up 16% of the possible vaccine-eligible population - 12% reached Black New Yorkers, who represent 31% of this population.

5.3% of doses administered have been given to residents of the Bronx, despite making up 10% of the population that may be currently eligible for vaccination.

"We are deeply alarmed by the recent data released from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene revealing the stark disparities in the administrating of Monkeypox vaccines to Black New Yorkers and vaccine-eligible residents in our borough. Vaccine equity has and will continue to be a priority for our administration, and today`s data is a clear indication that more must be done around outreach and education to vulnerable populations.

We need to understand the root causes reasons behind these disparities and will continue to work with the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, our LGBTQIA+ Task Force, healthcare advocates, and other pertinent stakeholders to identify credible messengers that can help us ensure our residents receive the equitable access to care that they deserve."