Asian American communities were notably absent from critical COVID-19 vaccine distribution recommendations, highlighting a persistent gap in health data representation for this diverse population. In October 2020, as the pandemic continued to grip the nation, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) released a consensus report outlining a framework for equitable vaccine distribution across the United States.
The report, aimed at addressing health disparities, emphasized the importance of prioritizing racial and ethnic groups disproportionately affected by the pandemic. It specifically mentioned American Indian and Alaska Native, Black, Hispanic or Latinx, and Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities as groups requiring focused attention in vaccine distribution efforts.
However, the report’s omission of Asian American communities from this critical conversation underscores a broader issue of underrepresentation in health data and policy discussions. This exclusion is particularly concerning given the diverse nature of Asian American populations and the potential for unique health challenges within these groups.
The oversight in the NASEM report serves as a stark reminder of the importance of disaggregated health data for Asian Americans. Without specific data on various Asian American subgroups, it becomes challenging to identify and address health disparities that may exist within this broad category.
This incident highlights the ongoing need for more comprehensive and inclusive approaches to health data collection and analysis, ensuring that all racial and ethnic groups, including the diverse Asian American population, are adequately represented in public health strategies and interventions.
See “Researchers Are Working to Disaggregate Asian American Health Data—Here’s Why It’s Long Overdue” (March 29, 2024)
