LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has added race data to its COVID-19 vaccine dashboard to help track the effects of equity efforts, according to a news release Tuesday.
“Ensuring those who are most vulnerable are protected by the safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine is a high priority for Michigan,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health. “Black and Brown communities have been disproportionately affected by the virus, and improving the race and ethnicity data collected for vaccinations is critical for ensuring the equitable administration of the vaccine. We will use this data to continue to drive our strategy towards making sure everyone has equitable access to the vaccines.”
Race data collected as of Monday shows of those vaccinated:
- 43.7% are unknown
- 41.7% are white
- 9.5% are listed as other
- 3.7% are Black
- 1.1% are Asian or Pacific Islander
- 0.3% are American Indian/Alaskan Native
A direct entry tool is now live and allows this information to be entered directly into the Michigan Care Improvement Registry and immunization providers across the state are asked to submit race data for all vaccines administered.
Before the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, race and ethnicity information could not be submitted as a data field in the registry.
Currently, 85% of the race and ethnicity data being reported comes from electronic medical records.
“We urge Michiganders to fill our race data questions on forms when they get their vaccine,” Khaldun said. “Knowing this information helps guide the state’s strategy and allows us to address any gaps as we move forward getting Michiganders protected from the virus.”
SEE MORE: CORONAVIRUS IN MID MICHIGAN
