x
Breaking News
More () »

Sharp disparity highlighted amongst vaccinated DC students. Here's why

Only 5% of students ages 12-15 in Ward 8 have at least one dose of the vaccine, compared to 67% in Ward 2.

WASHINGTON — There's a dramatic disparity in vaccine equity that's not just affecting adults but also students in the District.

Children in underserved areas of D.C. are much less likely to have their COVID-19 vaccine, according to data presented to D.C. councilmembers this week. 

According to the data, 5% of students between the ages of 12 and 15 in Ward 8 have at least one dose of the vaccine. In Ward 7 it's slightly higher, with 7% of students having at least one dose as of June 21.

Whereas in Wards 2 and 3 more than 60% of students have at least one dose of the vaccine.

In Ward 8 only 2% of students are fully vaccinated.

You can see D.C.'s vaccinated numbers for adults HERE.

On Thursday there was a vaccine giveaway at Anacostia High School. Sonja Long took two of her grandchildren, ages 12 and 16, to get their shot ahead of an upcoming cruise.

RELATED: Schools offering free COVID vaccines to students, families in Prince George's County

When asked why some families are choosing not to get their teens vaccinated she said it could be because of fear.

“The parents don’t even want to get it so what makes them want to get their kids vaccinated," Long said.

Anthony Boots agreed. He said the Tuskegee experiment is weighing on some people's minds. 

“The mistrust has been here forever,” Boots said.

Boots said a lack of awareness could also having something to do with it.

The District has a list of vaccination sites, including several east of the river.

RELATED: DC Public Schools opens COVID vaccination clinics for students, families

WUSA9 is now on Roku and Amazon Fire TVs. Download the apps today for live newscasts and video on demand.

Download the WUSA9 app to get breaking news, weather and important stories at your fingertips.

Sign up for the Get Up DC newsletter: Your forecast. Your commute. Your news.
Sign up for the Capitol Breach email newsletter, delivering the latest breaking news and a roundup of the investigation into the Capitol Riots on January 6, 2021.

Before You Leave, Check This Out