Research Team Uncovers Disparities in Internet Access and COVID-19 Vaccination in New York City

August 26, 2021
COVID-19 epidemiology New York City GIS Public Health Social Determinants immunization

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:

New York State Health Facility Maps

Explore an interactive map of healthcare facilities across New York State. Updated routinely, this tool provides detailed information on various facility types including hospitals, hospices, and diagnostic centers. Users can zoom, pan, and select specific facility types to visualize their locations, helping to identify healthcare access disparities and plan for future needs. Essential for public health professionals and policymakers to track healthcare distribution and address potential gaps.
health care Healthcare Facilities GIS New York State Public Health Planning Healthcare Access

New York COVID-19 Data Tracking Report

Explore the comprehensive COVID-19 Data Tracking Report for New York State, offering up-to-date insights into confirmed cases, diagnostic tests, hospitalizations, deaths, and vaccination trends. This detailed resource provides valuable data by county, demographic breakdowns, and public health implications, helping policymakers, healthcare professionals, and the public understand the ongoing impact of the pandemic.
COVID-19 GIS epidemiology communicable diseases

United States COVID-19 Data Tracking Report

October 15, 2024
COVID-19 epidemiology GIS communicable diseases