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I had the opportunity to hear from NJ state officials today at a COVID-19 vaccine briefing for journalists, including BIPOC media outlets. It was organized by @CenterCoopMedia, and had live Spanish translation and dictation. Let me share some of what I learned.
First: NJ, we're lucky this happened! Briefings like this don't happen like they used to. It was a chance for journalists around NJ who may not otherwise have had the time, access, or resources to attend to hear direct from officials so they can accurately share info with you!
The journalists asked really great questions, especially on the racial inequities of the virus distribution. This is also a good sign that shows the lens from which journalists are examining this issue is not from a white-centered lens.
Since the vaccine was released on Dec. 15 (let that sink in...), 605,000 New Jerseyans have been vaccinated as of Jan. 25. 80,000 have had the full two doses. Officials yesterday intoduced a hotline number to help people navigate the system.
At least 41% vaccinated people are white. Officials attributed that to the population served first - medical workers, though they didnt have demographics of NJ's medical sector - and trust issues, acknowleding past harms, and acknowledged poverty/access issues are also at play.
Officials are also working to close the racial equity gap with outreach to BIPOC communities through education and by working with local leaders and other influencers who've been vaccinated to share their stories.
Part of the challenge of this moment of the we don't have enough vaccines by far - we need a half million doses a week to meet demand. So part of what we must do is help lift up this message:
Collective public health is required keep @NJGov healthy. This isn't a time to act selfishly. We need to continue to practice social distancing and mask-wearing as more #COVID19vaccines doses arrive. #collectivehealth #keepeachothersafe
Another thing, officials are aware of the inefficiencies of finding appointments and lost opportunities to match extra vaccines with people in need and are encouraging vaccination sites to use the same booking tools or make appointments available like Open Table software.
As journalists and residents, we must keep these issues in our conversations and hold officials accountable. We also must do our own part to care for our collective health.
