Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
Barriers To Access Mean Unequal Vaccine Rates Among Undocumented Californians
Healthcare workers get vaccinated for COVID-19 at the Martin Luther King Jr Community Hospital. Chava Sanchez/LAist
State data shows that fewer than 20% of COVID-19 vaccines administered in California have gone to Latinos, with even fewer going to people who are undocumented.
Belinda Escobosa, national senior counsel for the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund, said there are a number of issues preventing the Latino community from accessing the injections.
“We have barriers such as a lack of trust in the healthcare system, worries about sharing personal information, and also just misinformation or disinformation,” she said.
The vaccination appointment system is also largely conducted online, which adds yet another hurdle.
“The system is set up really for people who have Internet access, computers, email, speak English, and have transportation,” Escobosa said. “That's not necessarily true for the Latino community, and definitely not for the undocumented immigrants community.”
COVID-19 vaccinations are available for free. Proof of citizenship is not required and vaccine providers are not allowed to ask about immigration status.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
