Black And Latino Coloradans Are Being Missed In The COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout – Colorado Public Radio

Concerns about getting the vaccine to medically underserved communities have been present since before the first vaccine was proven to be effective. As the first doses were produced, they went first to frontline health care workers, then to residents 70 and older.

But with a use it or lose it warning from the state accompanying each batch, the earlyemphasis has been on getting the vaccine delivered fast, and not wasting a drop. Public health officials said that drove providers, particularly hospitals, to use it on the patients they knew and could contact quickly, who were disproportionately white.

Its important to get the vaccine administered as quickly as possible, said Liane Jollon of San Juan Basin Public Health.It's equally, if not more important to [ensure] that we get it in the right arms to achieve the [equity] goals of vaccinations.

As supplies increase, and public awareness campaigns begin, the hope is that a more diverse population will be reached and sign up for shots.

CPR News reporter Claire Cleveland contributed to this report.

View original post here:

Black And Latino Coloradans Are Being Missed In The COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout - Colorado Public Radio