A.J. Adkins-Jackson, Harvard
Arleen F. Brown, UCLA
Racial and ethnic minority communities that lack internet access have been left behind in the race to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The average monthly cost of internet access, about $70, can be out of reach for those who can barely afford groceries.
Reporters and scholars have written about the effects of lack of internet access in rural areas in the U.S. and developing countries, but they have paid less attention to the harm of lack of internet access in racial and ethnic minority communities in major cities.
We are researchers who study health disparities. We are concerned that even when vaccinations are offered in these communities, those at greatest risk for COVID-19 may be unable to obtain appointments without the help of family and friends. This includes racial and ethnic minority communities and older adults, the age group that is currently being vaccinated.
Our research suggests that lack of internet access may be an important reason. And for the almost 13.8 million older adults in the U.S. who live alone, asking for help may not be an option.
The computer as COVID-19 connector
During the pandemic, the internet has been an indispensable health tool to millions.
Telehealth services have provided a safe way for patients to make appointments for COVID-19 testing and other types of medical care. In fact, there was a 154 percent increase in telehealth visit during the last seven days of March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This was most likely due to public health mandates that required a shift away from in-person care.
In addition, patients receive communications from their providers through email and other messaging systems that offer access to health care, health information and test results. And, departments of public health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have relied on their websites, online events and social media to educate the population about COVID-19. Access to the internet is essential during a pandemic.
This has been particularly true as the vaccine has been rolled out. Signing up for the vaccine has predominantly occurred online. This means that far fewer older adults from underresourced racial and ethnic minority communities have been able to make appointments.
In 2018, more than one in four Medicare beneficiaries had no digital access at home. Those without digital access were more likely to be 85 years or older, members of racial or ethnic minority communities and from low-income households.
Racial and ethnic minority communities that lack internet access have been left behind in the race to get a COVID-19 vaccine. The average monthly cost of internet access, about $70, can be out of reach for those who can barely afford groceries.
Reporters and scholars have written about the effects of lack of internet access in rural areas in the U.S. and developing countries, but they have paid less attention to the harm of lack of internet access in racial and ethnic minority communities in major cities.
We are researchers who study health disparities. We are concerned that even when vaccinations are offered in these communities, those at greatest risk for COVID-19 may be unable to obtain appointments without the help of family and friends. This includes racial and ethnic minority communities and older adults, the age group that is currently being vaccinated.
Our research suggests that lack of internet access may be an important reason. And for the almost 13.8 million older adults in the U.S. who live alone, asking for help may not be an option.
The computer as COVID-19 connector
During the pandemic, the internet has been an indispensable health tool to millions.
Telehealth services have provided a safe way for patients to make appointments for COVID-19 testing and other types of medical care. In fact, there was a 154 percent increase in telehealth visit during the last seven days of March 2020 compared to the same period in 2019. This was most likely due to public health mandates that required a shift away from in-person care.
In addition, patients receive communications from their providers through email and other messaging systems that offer access to health care, health information and test results. And, departments of public health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have relied on their websites, online events and social media to educate the population about COVID-19. Access to the internet is essential during a pandemic.
This has been particularly true as the vaccine has been rolled out. Signing up for the vaccine has predominantly occurred online. This means that far fewer older adults from underresourced racial and ethnic minority communities have been able to make appointments.
In 2018, more than one in four Medicare beneficiaries had no digital access at home. Those without digital access were more likely to be 85 years or older, members of racial or ethnic minority communities and from low-income households.
10 comments:
Those look like your hands in the picture, Montoya.
El Paya Jerry punching himself again -
"At The McHale Report we grow tired of The Brownsville Herald constantly publishing negative news about our beloved community."
No one puts down Brownsville more than this bow-legged asshole. McHale calls Brownsville the Third World Capital of the United States and too-often shits of local Mexicans.
El Paya es uno de ellos! QAnon? Parece, no?
In the appalachian Mountains they refuse to acknowledge that there is no such thing as the internet they eat possums and racoons and adore el pendejo trumputo...
Verdad pendejo hillbilly coco wanna be white idiota.
The best way, so far, for us in B'town to find out about the vaccine is through word of mouth. Unfortunately, some pinche people here keep the information a secret so that nobody gets ahead of them in line. And these are people who proclaim "I am One With The People" and have all kinds of yards signs showing solidarity with humanity. Puro hypocrisy. Add those pinche pendejos to the lack of internet access for the elderly and soon we will have an average age of 12 in Brownsville.
The mayor Trey-mendous and the Commishes take care of their own old parents but don't give any consideration to the thousands of elderly people who have no internet and no transportation and no family. I went through the line on Friday with an elderly woman. She has no internet and no family but we both got the vaccine after 3 hours in line. Are the elderly supposed to live in a Tennessee William's play and "DEPEND ON THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS"? Blanche Dubois must have been born in Brownsville.
The new cases include 15 children ages 9 and under, and 73 people ages 10 to 19.
IS THIS BECAUSE OF THE SCHOOLS OPENINGS? check it out somebody!!!!
No one I know gives a shit about this topic. Internet is out there. Pay for it.
No one is better than anyone else. All will get the Covid vaccine sooner or later, whites, blacks and browns. God has a plan.
Sen. Lucio files bill on athlete assaults
File one against corrupt elected politicians pinche guey...
Smart phone?
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