New York, NY – August 26, 2021 – Isaac Michaels, Sylvia Pirani, and Alvaro Carrascal have published a new study in the CDC’s journal Preventing Chronic Disease that examines the intersection of internet access and COVID-19 vaccination in New York City. The article, titled “Disparities in Internet Access and COVID-19 Vaccination in New York City,” presents new insights into the disproportionate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on certain populations in the city, including older individuals, those living in poverty, and racial and ethnic minorities.
The study analyzed data from the 2018 5-year American Community Survey on household internet access and COVID-19 vaccination data from the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The researchers found that areas with lower rates of internet access also had lower rates of COVID-19 vaccination, and that these disparities were concentrated in the Bronx and Brooklyn.
“These findings highlight the importance of addressing internet access as a public health issue, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said lead author Isaac Michaels. “Efforts to increase internet access, particularly in underserved communities, could help to reduce the impact of the pandemic on vulnerable populations.”
The authors suggest that in the short term, appointment-free vaccination sites could be placed in areas with low internet access, while in the long term, efforts should be made to increase digital education and broadband internet access in these communities.
The full article can be accessed at https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0143.htm.
Article Citation:
Michaels IH, Pirani SJ, Carrascal A. Disparities in Internet Access and COVID-19 Vaccination in New York City. Prev Chronic Dis 2021;18:210143. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5888/pcd18.210143
https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2021/21_0143.htm
Cited by:
- University at Albany School of Public Health: Lack of Internet Access May Be a Barrier for Covid-19 Vaccination
- ABC News 10: NYC considers law requiring landlords to provide free internet
- NYC Council Member Ben Kallos: Internet Could Come Free with Every Apartment in New York City Under Legislation Proposed by Council Member Ben Kallos
