25 Investigates: Vaccination rates in low-income communities still lag behind the pack
Kerry Kavanaugh
25 Investigates told you about a major gap in vaccination rates between wealthy and low income communities in Massachusetts.. Since then, the state altered its vaccine approach. We wanted to know if it’s working. Anchor investigative reporter Kerry Kavanaugh found some of our poorest communities are still lagging behind the pack. Critics of the state’s rollout say this outcome was entirely predictable.
Those low income communities were also places hit hardest by COVID-19. Through our reporting, 25 Investigates found mass vaccination sites that required online appointments left many in those communities with an uphill battle to access their shot. There were language barriers as well as struggles with internet access, transportation, and the ability to take time off from work. In May, the Baker administration announced it would shift away from the large scale mass sites. By mid-July all will be closed. Instead, the state is steering heavily toward community-based efforts, particularly in 20 communities hit hardest by the pandemic.