This week’s reversal by the CDC, where masks and social distancing need not apply to gatherings with their fellow vaccinated people led me down several paths of thought. Including vaccine shaming. Is this an attempt to have vaccinated people attempt to pressure those without vaccines into getting them? Is there research which shows those who’re less likely to wear masks are also those least likely to accept a vaccine? Demographically who are we mostly talking about?
We know minority groups have polled as being the least likely to become vaccinated. But what about those who’ve already been vaccinated? According to CDC data through February, we can clearly see stark demographic differences in vaccinations.
According to current Census data, the demographic breakdown of the country is:
- 76.3% White
- 18.5% Hispanic/Latino
- 13.4% Black
- 5.9% Asian
The racial breakout of whose received a COVID vaccine is:
- 65% White
- 9% Hispanic
- 7% Black
- 5% Asian
- 13% Native Americans/multi-racial
This illustrates the demographic concerns previously expressed by minority groups. Asians have been the most likely to seek vaccines, followed by Whites. However, we have huge deficits among Hispanics and Black adults. Hispanic vaccination levels are only running at 49% of what their population adjusted levels should be, while Blacks are only vaccinating at 52% of their population adjusted levels. This illustrates the need to continue to press to make inroads in minority communities to overcome skepticism regarding the vaccine. There isn’t yet state level demographic information so it’s unclear where Florida ranks on balance but it’s likely the national trends hold true in South Florida where isolated surveys locally have shown similar results in terms of who plans to accept a vaccine.
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