Health care advocates held a virtual discussion today about the inequities minorities and LGBTQ groups are facing when it comes to getting vaccinated for monkeypox. 

The panel of experts say despite a surge in cases among those demographics in New York – gay and minority high-risk patients are reporting problems with getting the vaccine. 

MORE: Monkeypox: How it spreads, signs, symptoms, where to get a vaccine

Monkeypox is spread by skin-to-skin contact. 

Advocates say minorities and LGBTQ community members are being discriminated against while people who are aren’t at risk are getting vaccinated. 

LGBTQ activist Torrian Baskerville said, “26% of the cases are Black individuals right now or Hispanic, and so we have to be prioritizing those populations. It’s not just about prioritizing the larger LGBTQ and MSM communities. It’s about being equitable.” 

State and federal leaders say New York administered 2,000 tests for monkeypox last week and are working to obtain more vaccines from the federal government.  

Right now, they say there’s a one- to two-week delay for people requesting the vaccine who are considered high risk.