Blacks are still lagging behind in Covid-19 vaccinations. According to the New York Times, only 55% of Black New Yorkers have received at least one vaccine dose. Other ethnic groups are doing much better. Asians are at 92%, and 75% of Hispanics have had at least one shot. Even white residents, with undoubtedly the highest number of vaccine resisters, have 62% with at least one inoculation.
According to Massachusetts Department of Public Health data, the record is similar in Boston. Only 51.8% of Blacks are fully vaccinated, compared with 78.5% of Asians, 54% of Hispanics and 62% of whites. But the data cause concern because 64.8% of the primarily Black fully vaccinated are from Roxbury, 02119. The rate in Mattapan is only 47.3. This is an area with a substantial Haitian population.
It is possible that Haitian refugees, processed through the border with Mexico, might find their way to family and friends in Boston. Blacks’ efforts to retard spread of the virus have not been entirely successful in Boston and, according to reports, numerous other cities.
It is necessary to continue the effort to have everyone vaccinated.
