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, 202-288-0714, jmcnair@dccouncil.us
Washington, DC – Today, the DC Department of Health announced there will be an additional 4,309 vaccine appointments for residents of Wards 1,4,5,7, and 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 additional 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 athttps://coronavirus.dc.gov/vaccinatedcor by calling 855-363-0333
