Dr. Stephanie Silvera Comments on Lack of COVID-19 Vaccinations Distributed to Blacks and Latinos for WNYC Public Radio
Posted in: College News and Events, Public Health
New Jersey has administered more than 310,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. But a very small percentage has gone to the African American and Latino populations. Only 4 percent have been administered to Black people and 5 percent to Latinos, according to data from the state.
Health Commissioner Judy Persichilli said Friday a team is working to cut down on those disparities, including a plan to use mobile vans to offer vaccinations in certain areas.
Dr. Stephanie Silvera, Professor in the Public Health Department, noted: “We have this difficulty with even finding out where the vaccines are being given, getting your appointment but a lot of locations require somebody to have a car or transportation to get there and we know lack of transportation is major risk factor for a lot of different health outcomes,” Silvera said. “We need to do in terms of outreach to communities.”