February 17, 2021
Chair Nathan Fletcher
San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Fourth District
Dear Chair Fletcher,
The distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines leading to the eradication of a global pandemic will be the most important decision made by the County Board of Supervisors and Health Officials in generations. An equitable and efficient vaccination process will literally save the lives and livelihoods of the most vulnerable residents in the County.
As predicted, it has become abundantly clear that the current vaccine distribution policies have been inequitable in San Diego County. The County of San Diego’s own data show that underserved groups and people of color have received disproportionally fewer vaccine doses and the locations with the highest infection rates have lower percentages of vaccinated residents.
We believe it is critical to correct the course by creating an Equity Plan for vaccine distribution going forward. This Vaccine Equity Plan should include, but not be limited to, the following:
- Local Preferences for Vaccine Appointments at County run points-of-distribution (PODs): Residents who live in the same zip code as a County-run POD should be prioritized for appointments.
- Residents of neighborhoods hit hard by COVID-19 should have a vaccine appointment available within walking distance: New PODs and super stations should be prioritized in hardest hit communities and should be numerous enough where feasible so residents can walk to vaccine appointments.
- Improve Transparency: The County of San Diego should provide data on vaccinations and COVID-19 deaths by zip code on a daily or weekly basis.
- Ensure Equity: Because underserved groups have received disproportionally fewer doses of the existing vaccines, when a new vaccine is available for distribution, groups including Latinos and African Americans, should be prioritized by the County.
We look forward to continuing to work with your office and San Diego County on creating and implementing this vaccine equity plan.
Kind Regards,
Vivian Moreno
Councilmember, City of San Diego, District 8
Monica Montgomery Steppe
Councilmember, City of San Diego, District 4
Mary Casillas Salas
Mayor, City of Chula Vista
Alejandra Sotelo-Solis
Mayor, City of National City
Serge Dedina
Mayor, City of Imperial Beach
