Press Release: Councilmember McDuffie’s Call for Equitable Vaccine Distribution Results in Priority for Wards Hit the Hardest

News Release — Ward 5 DC Council member Kenyan McDuffie

More than 4,000 new appointments made available for residents in Wards 1,4,5,7,8

For Immediate Release: Friday, January 15th, 2021

Contact: Jonathan McNair

Washington, D.C. — Today, Councilmember Kenyan R. McDuffie, Chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development introduced the xyz Act of 2019.

Washington, DC – Today, the DC Department of Health announced there will be an additional 4,309 vaccination appointments for residents of Wards 1,4,5,7,8 aged 65 and older, or who work in a health care setting, starting on Saturday January 16th at 9 AM. This new ward-based approach comes after Councilmember McDuffie requested that DC Health distribute vaccine appointments more equitably.

“We must ensure residents hardest hit by this pandemic can access the vaccine,” said Councilmember McDuffie. “I appreciate the Department of Health making this critical course correction to provide addition appointments for residents with the greatest needs. I want to thank Dr. Nesbitt for responding to my concerns and to all my constituents who brought this serious issue to my attention. I will continue fighting for an equitable recovery to this pandemic and economic recession.”

Data released by the Department of Health reveal that only 655 residents in Wards 5,7, and 8 have booked a vaccine appointment compared to 4,757 residents in Wards 2,3, and 6. To date, 434 residents in Wards 5,7, and 8 have passed away from Covid-related illnesses compared 166 residents in Wards 2,3, and 6.

Appointments can be made at https://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedc or by calling 855-363-0333

###