Ward 5 Questions Distribution of COVID Vaccine

January 19, 2021

One item stood out amongst tonight’s issue-packed ANC 5E meeting – the COVID-19 vaccine. The distribution of the COVID vaccine may be yet another example of the disparate treatment based on community, color, and affluence.

Office of Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie

Kelly Cislo, Office of Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, announced that the Councilmember will be looking into recent maps that showed the distribution of the vaccine seemed to favor more affluent D.C. neighborhoods. Cislo reported on complaints the councilmember has received. Complaints range from extremely long on-hold times, to incorrect or incomplete information and vaccination schedules. She reported that McDuffie will be calling a hearing later this week or next on how to improve the process.

One resident pointing to the process he experienced at the Turkey Thicket vaccination center. He watched senior citizens play a stressful game of musical chairs as they waited to get their injection. Senior citizens, many with normal physical limitations of age, had to stand up move 6 feet to the next open chair as the vaccinations were administered. At one point many seniors simply stayed standing until it was their turn.This was very stressful to our senior population.

City Council Recognizes Disparity

The Washington Post highlighted the possible disparities in a recent article. It reported that “Several D.C. Council members argued the city should reserve appointments for seniors in the city’s less affluent and majority-Black wards, worried that White seniors with better access to computers and information were taking a disproportionate number of slots.” What’s even more distressing is where D.C.’s Health Director LaQuandra Nesbitt didn’t see the validity of setting priority based on neighborhoods hardest hit by the virus. 

It’s ignorant and inconceivable that the head of our health department leader isn’t aware of the disproportionate impact on communities of color. Although Blacks reside throughout the city, we all know the racial breakdown is more concentrated in certain Wards. The perception that Blacks can’t navigate the online scheduling process is another increasing slight. A resident quickly pointed to the fact that had another to do with the phone scheduling process. We are expected to accept these slights without question.

Stay Up to Date

These slights make it even more important for us to support our local ANCs and for them to protect and represent us with passion and intent. Affluent Wards are consistently given preference over underserved neighborhoods. Access becomes limited as resources become limited.  Especially for those who need it most. COVID-19 laid bare the depth of systemic racism where the true frontline workers were predominantly people of color. They are also the most underpaid and under-protected.

To stay abreast of the changing Covid-19 vaccine landscape:

• Go to coronavirus.dc.gov
• Veterans should also contact the Veteran’s Administration
• Above all, reach out to your local ANC 5E Commissioner!

For more information on the time and place for the ANC meetings in your neighborhood and your Commissioners go to the ANC home page.

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D.C. leaders spar over coronavirus vaccine access for poorer residents