"JN.1 Variant Surge Exposes COVID-19 Vaccine Disparities"
Racial health disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates have resurfaced in Massachusetts, with lower rates among Black, Hispanic, and Native American residents compared to white and Asian residents. The disparities are also evident among seniors, with higher vaccination rates in wealthier communities. Similar patterns were observed with flu vaccination rates before the pandemic. Experts urge state officials to address the gaps and increase efforts to close the disparities. Meanwhile, as vaccination rates decline, the JN.1 variant, which is more transmissible and can evade defenses, is becoming dominant in the United States, leading to concerns of a COVID-19 surge over the holidays.
