Nationally, according to Pew Research, 30% of Americans over the age of 60 rarely or never use the internet. That number likely skews higher in places like North Carolina, where there is a clear digital divide from the standpoints of access, technical proficiency, and affordability. To distribute the vaccine by web-based appointment scheduling is itself a tool for creating and perpetuating disparity. I received the notification below from my provider. How does this reflect a commitment to health equity?
This is an extremely important issue now, when vaccine supplies are low. I read an account of a locality having 9,000 vaccine appointments snapped up minutes after appointments were opened up. That could only happen with computer access. Meanwhile, the phone based system provided for "alternative" access crashed from overwhelming demand. Vaccine access is a life and death matter for older people and the manner in which this is being implemented is obscene.
UNC Health Covid Vaccine Information
UNC Health is following the COVID-19 vaccine distribution guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and is committed to sharing the latest facts about the vaccines with you. We will begin vaccinations for phase 1B1, which includes adults ages 75 or older, on January 11. It is important to read all of the available information about the COVID-19 vaccines so you can make the best decision for yourself and your loved ones. Here's what you need to know:
If you meet the criteria of phase 1B1, you will need to schedule your appointment to be vaccinated using online scheduling, which is available on www.yourshot.org. Walk-in appointments are not available. Please continue to check www.yourshot.org for appointment availability.
The vaccine is free to all patients (you will not be charged) but if you’re insured please bring your insurance card to your appointment. No additional identification is required.
Because there’s not enough vaccine to offer it to everyone at the same time, the COVID-19 vaccine is being distributed in phases. UNC Health will distribute vaccine as we receive it and appointments will be updated on www.yourshot.org. Please understand that we may not have enough appointments to meet current demand and we encourage you to check www.yourshot.org for the most up-to-date information. We will continue to add updates as we have more information to share.
As part of our mission to improve the health and well-being of North Carolinians, we are committed to health equity and enabling everyone to receive the vaccine. This includes both our co-workers and the communities we serve. Healthcare personnel in Phase 1A are still eligible to receive a vaccination even after beginning distribution to Phase 1B and beyond. Vaccines are one important tool to help us fight COVID-19, but we still need to use all of our tools if we hope to end this pandemic. This means you still need to practice physical distancing, wear a mask, frequently wash your hands and stay home when you're sick.
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