Friday, August 19, 2022
This week Equality New York, The LGBT Center, & The New Pride Agenda sent a letter urging both Governor Kathy Hochul & Mayor Eric Adams to make Monkeypox (MPV) demographic vaccination data public. See letter here.
This is important for us to ensure we are applying an equitable lens in addressing this public health emergency.
The highest rates of MPV-related diagnoses have been reported among men who have sex with men (MSM) and who identify as Latinx or Black. Anecdotally, we are seeing those who identify as MSM and White have a disproportionately high level of access to the small number of available vaccines.
The Governor & Mayor made vaccination demographic data public. We thank them for their quick response.
The data confirms our anecdotal knowledge that the vaccine is not being distributed equitably. We must now work with the city and state as we advocate that vaccines be distributed fairly on the ground.
In addition, last week, the LGBTQIA+ Caucus of the New York City Council introduced a legislative package that included a proposal to make MPV vaccines more accessible to communities in hard to reach populations such as those in congregate shelters and folks who are incarcerated. We can not forget these community members.
In coalition, EQNY will be launching a MPV Month of Action this September to help educate, support, and connect with local community members to help slow the spread of MPV.
On Monday, August 22, 2022 we will be sharing our full plan, so be on the lookout!