The Golden State has administered almost 11 million doses.
Being the most populous U.S. state with over 39.5 million people, California’s size rivals that of many countries across the world. It recently passed Brazil’s vaccination rate, and shows no signs of stopping.
At the moment, California has administered 10.8 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, according to the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Research Center. That’s about 20% of the state’s population over 16. Governor Gavin Newsom also reported that 56% of the state’s population over 65 has received at least 1 dose.
California has now administered over 10.6 million vaccines.
Global ranking of vaccine administrations:
1. USA
2. China
3. EU
4. UK
5. India
6. California— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 7, 2021
California’s progress in vaccine administration is encouraging, to say the least. With expansive efforts underway at mass vaccination sites such as the Oakland Coliseum and Moscone Center, these results are long-awaited and rewarding.
That said, it’s important to note the imbalance in vaccine distribution around the state, which reflects the priorities governments and administrations have in the country and world at large. According to a graph via CalMatters.com, the state has heavily favored certain racial groups over others. “White people have received the largest percentage of doses in nearly all counties,” they report.
Screenshot from CalMatters
The large number of “unknown” races and ethnicities skews data for all populations, and this graph was last updated March 2. Additionally, vaccines were administered first to healthcare workers and people over 65, populations which are largely White. Nonetheless, it’s essential to take a good look at the existing data in order to understand California’s vaccination plan to date.
Governor Newsom announced on March 5 that California set aside 40% of vaccines for its most disadvantaged areas. San Bernardino County reported that “the infection rate for households making less than $40,000 per year is more than double that of households with an income of $120,000. At the same time, California’s wealthiest populations are being vaccinated at nearly twice the rate of the state’s most vulnerable populations.”
40% of our vaccine allocation will be going to communities hardest hit.
We will never beat back this virus and re-open safely without a targeted approach for our most vulnerable communities.https://t.co/UOZEjporKa
— Gavin Newsom (@GavinNewsom) March 5, 2021
This plan will hopefully balance out vaccine distribution in order to serve vulnerable communities, many of whom are also economically disadvantaged as a result of the pandemic and can’t afford to get sick.
Only time will tell how California evolves its vaccine distribution plan. But at #6 in the world for vaccine administration, there are meaningful implications for the future of Covid immunization and daily life for Californians.
[Featured Image: Shutterstock]