Prior to Feb. 23, race data was not being reported on the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard. MDHHS announced in a press release that they have started reporting this data in order to track the effects of vaccine equity strategy. MDHHS chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun highlighted the reason for reporting this data.
“Ensuring those who are most vulnerable are protected by the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a high priority for Michigan,” Khaldun said in the release. “Black and Brown communities have been disproportionately affected by the virus and improving the race and ethnicity data being collected for vaccinations is critical for ensuring the equitable administration of the vaccine. We will use this data to continue to drive our strategy towards making sure everyone has equitable access to the vaccines.”
Those receiving the vaccine are asked to fill out race information on immunization forms. Currently, only 56% of reported COVID-19 vaccine doses have race data reported.
Of those vaccinated:
- 43.7% are unknown.
- 41.7% are white.
- 9.5% are listed as other.
- 3.7% are Black.
- 1.1% are Asian or Pacific Islander.
- 0.3% are American Indian/Alaskan Native.
Michigan’s recently launched a COVID-19 vaccination strategy guided by the following principles:
- “All Michiganders have equitable access to vaccines.
- Vaccine planning and distribution is inclusive, and actively engages state and local government, public and private partners; and draws upon the experience and expertise of leaders from historically marginalized populations.
- Communications are transparent, accurate, and frequent public communications to build public trust.
- Data is used to promote equity, track progress and guide decision making.
- Resource stewardship, efficiency, and continuous quality improvement drive strategic implementation.”
As demonstrated in Tuesday’s data, the percent of each population that is vaccinated varies by race. The following numbers reflect the percentage of the population that has had their first dose of vaccine.
- White (7.9%)
- American Indian or Alaskan Native (5.4%)
- Asian, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander (5.0%)
- Black (4.1%)
As of Feb. 23, 15.1% of Michigan residents have received the first dose and 8% have completed both doses.
MDHHS also launched a statewide media campaign to inform residents about the vaccine, developed after conducting a statewide survey and six focus groups among key target audiences, including African American, Caucasian, Hispanic and Arab-Americans. The campaign includes television, connected TV, radio, streaming audio, YouTube, search, print in minority publications, social media and digital media.
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