On The Other Side Of The Digital Divide, Securing COVID Vaccine Appointments Is A Struggle

CHARLOTTE, NC – The digital divide in the Charlotte region and across the country has only been exacerbated by the pandemic. Evidence of the gap is showing in the COVID vaccine rollout, where a large group of people are being left behind.

“It’s overwhelming. And it shuts you down even more so,” said Judy Avalos.

Avalos is a South Charlotte resident. She says she struggled to get a COVID vaccine appointment for herself and her husband.

“I thought it would be easy. But it wasn’t,” said Avalos.

Call centers had long wait times and unfamiliar websites meant doing a task she wasn’t confident in.

“It was a little bit challenging because, just finding the right link,” Avalos explained.

Avalos isn’t alone. Thousands of people locally and millions across the country either don’t have access to the internet, or lack the literacy to accurately navigate it. Most often, this impacts people who tend to be older, non-white, and low income.

“Under normal circumstances, the need was paramount,” said Zachary White.

White is an associate professor at Queens University. He also works with Digital Charlotte to offer online literacy classes.

“These courses are interactive. They are built and designed for people who have low levels of digital literacy,” said White.

He says these skills, which many of us would call basic and take for granted, can create huge hurdles for people hoping to secure a vaccine spot.

“This is an incredible skill set that many people do not have and most of the vulnerable populations who most need these vaccines may not be privy to,” explained White.

White says the classes, offered in partnership with the YMCA can reduce fear and help people navigate the web to better their health.. And potentially save their lives.

“I do feel like knowledge is power. And with that I’m trying to help my family,” said Avalos.

People interested in the digital literacy classes can contact the YMCA atl 704-716-6200

If you’re in Mecklenburg county and need to make a vaccine appointment, you can call 980-314-9400