Equity in vaccine distribution

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

+1 I think this is the case in Maryland too. The people getting shots are those whose employers are getting them appointments and seniors with the ability to snatch up the appointments that appear online. I saw the vaccine line in my neighborhood Giant that has a large POC customer base and the people getting vaccines were White elderly people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

+1 I think this is the case in Maryland too. The people getting shots are those whose employers are getting them appointments and seniors with the ability to snatch up the appointments that appear online. I saw the vaccine line in my neighborhood Giant that has a large POC customer base and the people getting vaccines were White elderly people.

There is a phone hotline too

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

How recently was this? The first senior vaccines were given four weeks ago so seniors getting vaccines this week might be getting their second doses (as they got their first before the equity measures were put into affect)

[Anonymous]

Just a reminder, 80% of Covid 19 deaths occur in those 65 and older. Let's put shots in the arms of this group first by locality in MD, VA, DC so our local hospitals don't get overwhelmed and families have hope.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

How recently was this? The first senior vaccines were given four weeks ago so seniors getting vaccines this week might be getting their second doses (as they got their first before the equity measures were put into affect)

You should care more about the age of the folks in line. Not the color of their skin.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I am 55, black, employed by a small business and live in Ward 3. With the way the city is conducting vaccinations I'll never be eligible to get a vaccination. Might have to use my parents Ward 8 address to register my family.

55 not eligible now in any ward.

That would be smart of you. Of course, you probably have integrity. The city has created a lot of hoops to jump through for any resident and particularly Ward 3-- from having to be on certain hospital lists, to no city operated vax sites in Ward3, to zip code set asides (Im more OK with this than no vax sites), to the giveaway of half of DCs vaccines to MD/VA (see NBC report).

There is a site in Ward 3 - see upthread
Ward 3 has gotten the largest percentage of its seniors vaccinated
Part of the "giveaway" was repaid -16,000 doses, as has been stated many, many times

The problem in DC is scarcity.

Scarcity is but one of the problems. The whole process is a hot mess. Every time I go online to try to register my mother, it feels like a sneaker release. Got on one second too late? Too bad. All gone. Register next time. There's no reason why everyone's relevant info and desired locations can't be re-registered, and then have everyone notified when it's their turn in the queue to get the vaccine. Within each queue, there could be an automated lottery, too.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:So, I am 55, black, employed by a small business and live in Ward 3. With the way the city is conducting vaccinations I'll never be eligible to get a vaccination. Might have to use my parents Ward 8 address to register my family.

55 not eligible now in any ward.

That would be smart of you. Of course, you probably have integrity. The city has created a lot of hoops to jump through for any resident and particularly Ward 3-- from having to be on certain hospital lists, to no city operated vax sites in Ward3, to zip code set asides (Im more OK with this than no vax sites), to the giveaway of half of DCs vaccines to MD/VA (see NBC report).

There is a site in Ward 3 - see upthread
Ward 3 has gotten the largest percentage of its seniors vaccinated
Part of the "giveaway" was repaid -16,000 doses, as has been stated many, many times

The problem in DC is scarcity.

Scarcity is but one of the problems. The whole process is a hot mess. Every time I go online to try to register my mother, it feels like a sneaker release. Got on one second too late? Too bad. All gone. Register next time. There's no reason why everyone's relevant info and desired locations can't be re-registered, and then have everyone notified when it's their turn in the queue to get the vaccine. Within each queue, there could be an automated lottery, too.

It doesn't help that DC is only making 30% of the vaccine available this way. Your mom's odds this way are low.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's true that plenty of Ward 3 residents can't easily travel somewhere for a vaccine, but it's also true that (a) plenty can and (b) there are vaccine sites in or near Ward 3 now, like Sibley, MedStar's Ward 2 site, the Safeway on Connecticut, etc.

My parents live in Ward 1 and had to go to Ward 4 for their vaccines. It wasn't the end of the world. It should be easier for people to get appointments, yes, and for anyone who can't easily go somewhere farther from their house to get a shot, there should be some accommodation. But by and large, I don't have a problem with saying that if you can make it to an appointment clear across the city, you should go ahead and book that appointment and just get the shot taken care of.

what a joke. sibley and medstar are not sign up sites (they call you, from anywhere in the city, IF you are lucky), and safeway had like 2 appointments. I think it is actually unsafe and evil to make old people, many without cars or who can't drive, trek across town in winter via Uber or bus (while trying to NOt catch Covid) to neighborhoods they don't know to stand around in the cold and then find a ride home. I would say the SAME about forcing that on Ward 8 elderly. This is a free vaccine with some kind of commuter penalty/tax attached for only Ward 3-ers. Gross that you can be OK with that. I'd prefer just don't open it to Ward 3 until DC has vaccinated who they want to vaccinate to their hearts' content. and then give it to the Ward 3 old folks in a way that is actually respectful of our elders regardless of skin color.

LOL, and yet, Ward 3 has been incredibly successful, in fact the MOST successful, at scoring appointments and vaccines. So apparently they are doing just fine by every measure, and it's hardly gross to focus outreach and logistical support on other seniors who haven't been as well served.

PS - Your MOCRS liaison can help with making appointments and arranging transportation, regardless of Ward.

Are they helping poorer residents with logistical support though? As in, an alternative to spending hours online trying to find an appointment? Clearly they weren’t thinking of the poor people with poor internet connections or no computer at all.

There is a TELEPHONE sign up and the Mayor deployed teams to KNOCK on doors in Ward 8, AND contact elderly residents who signed up for snow removal and may need help accessing the vaccine. Would be nice if they offered that to other city elderly!

Ok, but what exactly are they doing- handing residents a flyer with the website address and phone number, or actually helping them get through to make an appointment? Because I know if people who actually want the appointments spending hours and hours trying to find one. Someone who needs convincing isn’t going to put in that kind of time, especially if their internet connection is poor or they have limited cell phone minutes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's true that plenty of Ward 3 residents can't easily travel somewhere for a vaccine, but it's also true that (a) plenty can and (b) there are vaccine sites in or near Ward 3 now, like Sibley, MedStar's Ward 2 site, the Safeway on Connecticut, etc.

My parents live in Ward 1 and had to go to Ward 4 for their vaccines. It wasn't the end of the world. It should be easier for people to get appointments, yes, and for anyone who can't easily go somewhere farther from their house to get a shot, there should be some accommodation. But by and large, I don't have a problem with saying that if you can make it to an appointment clear across the city, you should go ahead and book that appointment and just get the shot taken care of.

what a joke. sibley and medstar are not sign up sites (they call you, from anywhere in the city, IF you are lucky), and safeway had like 2 appointments. I think it is actually unsafe and evil to make old people, many without cars or who can't drive, trek across town in winter via Uber or bus (while trying to NOt catch Covid) to neighborhoods they don't know to stand around in the cold and then find a ride home. I would say the SAME about forcing that on Ward 8 elderly. This is a free vaccine with some kind of commuter penalty/tax attached for only Ward 3-ers. Gross that you can be OK with that. I'd prefer just don't open it to Ward 3 until DC has vaccinated who they want to vaccinate to their hearts' content. and then give it to the Ward 3 old folks in a way that is actually respectful of our elders regardless of skin color.

LOL, and yet, Ward 3 has been incredibly successful, in fact the MOST successful, at scoring appointments and vaccines. So apparently they are doing just fine by every measure, and it's hardly gross to focus outreach and logistical support on other seniors who haven't been as well served.

PS - Your MOCRS liaison can help with making appointments and arranging transportation, regardless of Ward.

Are they helping poorer residents with logistical support though? As in, an alternative to spending hours online trying to find an appointment? Clearly they weren’t thinking of the poor people with poor internet connections or no computer at all.

There is a TELEPHONE sign up and the Mayor deployed teams to KNOCK on doors in Ward 8, AND contact elderly residents who signed up for snow removal and may need help accessing the vaccine. Would be nice if they offered that to other city elderly!

Ok, but what exactly are they doing- handing residents a flyer with the website address and phone number, or actually helping them get through to make an appointment? Because I know if people who actually want the appointments spending hours and hours trying to find one. Someone who needs convincing isn’t going to put in that kind of time, especially if their internet connection is poor or they have limited cell phone minutes.

Yes, there is a buddy system to help folks try to get through. Available citywide. hopefully when they finish with teachers there will be more vax for seniors. looks like 35 percent of seniors have gotten at least one shot as of 2/6 (58 percent of ward 3 seniors have received one or both). be calm; we will get there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

How recently was this? The first senior vaccines were given four weeks ago so seniors getting vaccines this week might be getting their second doses (as they got their first before the equity measures were put into affect)

You should care more about the age of the folks in line. Not the color of their skin.

Age is a proxy for risk. Race and socioeconomic status are also proxies for risk. Which proxy performs better will depend on the specific context.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's true that plenty of Ward 3 residents can't easily travel somewhere for a vaccine, but it's also true that (a) plenty can and (b) there are vaccine sites in or near Ward 3 now, like Sibley, MedStar's Ward 2 site, the Safeway on Connecticut, etc.

My parents live in Ward 1 and had to go to Ward 4 for their vaccines. It wasn't the end of the world. It should be easier for people to get appointments, yes, and for anyone who can't easily go somewhere farther from their house to get a shot, there should be some accommodation. But by and large, I don't have a problem with saying that if you can make it to an appointment clear across the city, you should go ahead and book that appointment and just get the shot taken care of.

what a joke. sibley and medstar are not sign up sites (they call you, from anywhere in the city, IF you are lucky), and safeway had like 2 appointments. I think it is actually unsafe and evil to make old people, many without cars or who can't drive, trek across town in winter via Uber or bus (while trying to NOt catch Covid) to neighborhoods they don't know to stand around in the cold and then find a ride home. I would say the SAME about forcing that on Ward 8 elderly. This is a free vaccine with some kind of commuter penalty/tax attached for only Ward 3-ers. Gross that you can be OK with that. I'd prefer just don't open it to Ward 3 until DC has vaccinated who they want to vaccinate to their hearts' content. and then give it to the Ward 3 old folks in a way that is actually respectful of our elders regardless of skin color.

LOL, and yet, Ward 3 has been incredibly successful, in fact the MOST successful, at scoring appointments and vaccines. So apparently they are doing just fine by every measure, and it's hardly gross to focus outreach and logistical support on other seniors who haven't been as well served.

PS - Your MOCRS liaison can help with making appointments and arranging transportation, regardless of Ward.

Are they helping poorer residents with logistical support though? As in, an alternative to spending hours online trying to find an appointment? Clearly they weren’t thinking of the poor people with poor internet connections or no computer at all.

There is a TELEPHONE sign up and the Mayor deployed teams to KNOCK on doors in Ward 8, AND contact elderly residents who signed up for snow removal and may need help accessing the vaccine. Would be nice if they offered that to other city elderly!

Ok, but what exactly are they doing- handing residents a flyer with the website address and phone number, or actually helping them get through to make an appointment? Because I know if people who actually want the appointments spending hours and hours trying to find one. Someone who needs convincing isn’t going to put in that kind of time, especially if their internet connection is poor or they have limited cell phone minutes.

Yes, there is a buddy system to help folks try to get through. Available citywide. hopefully when they finish with teachers there will be more vax for seniors. looks like 35 percent of seniors have gotten at least one shot as of 2/6 (58 percent of ward 3 seniors have received one or both). be calm; we will get there.

The DC COVID PHASED PLAN continues to prioritize vast categories of "essential" workers, alongside residents. Under the DC Plan, they have equal standing to request vaccine through the DC supply and apparatus. DC has to dat supplied half the vaccine to out of state workers. Until there is a formal agreement for DC to receive more vaccine to cover these out of state residents. there will not be more vaccine for seniors, or for the next group of DC residents (high risk).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It's true that plenty of Ward 3 residents can't easily travel somewhere for a vaccine, but it's also true that (a) plenty can and (b) there are vaccine sites in or near Ward 3 now, like Sibley, MedStar's Ward 2 site, the Safeway on Connecticut, etc.

My parents live in Ward 1 and had to go to Ward 4 for their vaccines. It wasn't the end of the world. It should be easier for people to get appointments, yes, and for anyone who can't easily go somewhere farther from their house to get a shot, there should be some accommodation. But by and large, I don't have a problem with saying that if you can make it to an appointment clear across the city, you should go ahead and book that appointment and just get the shot taken care of.

what a joke. sibley and medstar are not sign up sites (they call you, from anywhere in the city, IF you are lucky), and safeway had like 2 appointments. I think it is actually unsafe and evil to make old people, many without cars or who can't drive, trek across town in winter via Uber or bus (while trying to NOt catch Covid) to neighborhoods they don't know to stand around in the cold and then find a ride home. I would say the SAME about forcing that on Ward 8 elderly. This is a free vaccine with some kind of commuter penalty/tax attached for only Ward 3-ers. Gross that you can be OK with that. I'd prefer just don't open it to Ward 3 until DC has vaccinated who they want to vaccinate to their hearts' content. and then give it to the Ward 3 old folks in a way that is actually respectful of our elders regardless of skin color.

LOL, and yet, Ward 3 has been incredibly successful, in fact the MOST successful, at scoring appointments and vaccines. So apparently they are doing just fine by every measure, and it's hardly gross to focus outreach and logistical support on other seniors who haven't been as well served.

PS - Your MOCRS liaison can help with making appointments and arranging transportation, regardless of Ward.

Are they helping poorer residents with logistical support though? As in, an alternative to spending hours online trying to find an appointment? Clearly they weren’t thinking of the poor people with poor internet connections or no computer at all.

There is a TELEPHONE sign up and the Mayor deployed teams to KNOCK on doors in Ward 8, AND contact elderly residents who signed up for snow removal and may need help accessing the vaccine. Would be nice if they offered that to other city elderly!

Ok, but what exactly are they doing- handing residents a flyer with the website address and phone number, or actually helping them get through to make an appointment? Because I know if people who actually want the appointments spending hours and hours trying to find one. Someone who needs convincing isn’t going to put in that kind of time, especially if their internet connection is poor or they have limited cell phone minutes.

Yes, there is a buddy system to help folks try to get through. Available citywide. hopefully when they finish with teachers there will be more vax for seniors. looks like 35 percent of seniors have gotten at least one shot as of 2/6 (58 percent of ward 3 seniors have received one or both). be calm; we will get there.

The DC COVID PHASED PLAN continues to prioritize vast categories of "essential" workers, alongside residents. Under the DC Plan, they have equal standing to request vaccine through the DC supply and apparatus. DC has to dat supplied half the vaccine to out of state workers. Until there is a formal agreement for DC to receive more vaccine to cover these out of state residents. there will not be more vaccine for seniors, or for the next group of DC residents (high risk).

5,000 senior appointments will be available starting tomorrow. That is both higher numbers and a higher percentage, so you are wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

How recently was this? The first senior vaccines were given four weeks ago so seniors getting vaccines this week might be getting their second doses (as they got their first before the equity measures were put into affect)

You should care more about the age of the folks in line. Not the color of their skin.

Considering that black and brown people are dying from COVID at a significantly higher rate, then you should take the color of one's skin into consideration.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

How recently was this? The first senior vaccines were given four weeks ago so seniors getting vaccines this week might be getting their second doses (as they got their first before the equity measures were put into affect)

You should care more about the age of the folks in line. Not the color of their skin.

Considering that black and brown people are dying from COVID at a significantly higher rate, then you should take the color of one's skin into consideration.

I would love it if my fit, AA spouse could get a "bump" in the vaccine line. We have a lot of family business to attend to!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It seems like whatever method they are using for equity is not working, at least in Ward 4. When I went to get my vaccine there was a long line of people. Very few were POC. In fact the majority of POC who were there were the security guards. And this is at a community center on Kennedy St. My guess is white people in the prioritized zip codes are still signing up for the vaccine slots first. Anecdotal evidence, but I suspect it is happening in other areas as well.

How recently was this? The first senior vaccines were given four weeks ago so seniors getting vaccines this week might be getting their second doses (as they got their first before the equity measures were put into affect)

You should care more about the age of the folks in line. Not the color of their skin.

Age is a proxy for risk. Race and socioeconomic status are also proxies for risk. Which proxy performs better will depend on the specific context.

Agreed. It is 2021, however, and a history of the utility of socioeconomic based assistance programs and funding is measurable. It has not worked. Accordingly, the more difficult task of requiring personal responsibility in health outcomes is necessary.