I’ve heard at numerous state press conferences & in the media statements to the effect of

“every shot in an arm is protecting is us all”

So let’s talk a bit more about how that plays out when you open up #Covid19 vaccination to 65+ w/no guidance or sub-prioritization
#mnleg

In MN & most of the US, 65+ demographics = disproportionately white & wealthy

Recent surges however have seen a higher number of cases in younger ages.

65+ have higher #COVID19 death rates but rates remain disproportionately high in BIPOC communities when you correct for age

BIPOC communities are experiencing higher rates due to structural racism as has been detailed well here: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2770954

The pandemics of structural racism & #COVID19 are even more stark when looking at excess deaths in 2020 https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/racial-disparities-excess-mortality-minnesota-2020-are-worse-previously-reported

But risk for BIPOC communities isn’t driven primarily by comorbidities due to structural racism rather exposure as critical members of the essential workforce.

https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/publication/103278/how-risk-of-exposure-to-the-coronavirus-at-work-varies.pdf

Putting this thread together:

Vaccine allocation policy that is 65+, with NO sub-prioritization, disproportionately protects older, whiter, wealthier members

We are seeing higher #COVID19 rates in younger ages —> 65+ are not the ones predominately driving spread

Therefore penetration of “protection” to our BIPOC & low income populations that have been hardest hit by #COVID19, by non selectively immunizing 65+, is well below what is being touted

Summed up by @Atul_Gawande: https://twitter.com/atul_gawande/status/1356950611984539658?s=21

We need a measure of equity in #COVID19 vaccine administration, not just speed. And we need to be truthful about who is disproportionately benefiting from our current, status quo model of allocation of a scarce resource
#mnleg