North Carolina will get 5% more of the Covid-19 vaccine starting next week. But there’s still not enough vaccine available, and it’s even worse for those in minority communities. State officials say they're now working to embed equity in the vaccine distribution process.
In North Carolina, 22% of the population is Black. But only 11% of vaccines went into Black arms in January. This week, that number has risen to 18%, but a new Executive Order signed by the Governor is aimed at closing that gap. The order gives Dr. Mandy Cohen, Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services, the authority to expand the types of providers giving the vaccine.
"We are giving additional vaccines to counties with higher numbers of low-income adults over the age of 65 or higher numbers of historically-marginalized populations 65 and older. We’re giving vaccines to providers who reach rural and marginalized communities such as community health clinics. And finally, we are setting aside a portion of our weekly vaccine allocation for events that focus on underserved communities."
Cohen says that looks like providers partnering with churches and community centers.
The Order also directs state officials to marshal state resources for this purpose – including property, facilities, and personnel, upon request.
Read Executive Order 193 here:
https://files.nc.gov/governor/documents/files/EO193-DHHS-Extension.pdf
