Smith); Invisible Men (
Ojikutu) Although providing information about the vaccine is important and necessary for increasing trust, it is insufficient by itself to prompt behavior change. Evidence to date suggests that the percentage of Black individuals who show COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy has stayed consistently high, relative to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States (US), since April 2020. Black communities in the US have suffered a long history of discrimination, racism, and harmful experiences on the part of the healthcare system, healthcare providers, and the US government. Due to the concern that lower vaccination rates among Black Americans would further widen COVID-19 inequities in diagnosis, hospitalisation, and mortality, these researchers conducted a survey of Black Americans, with follow-up interviews, to better understand the drivers of their reluctance. Based on the findings, they engaged with community stakeholders to identify public health messaging
High level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy found among Black Americans
Black Americans have a high level of vaccine hesitancy and mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines, including among Black health care workers, according to a new RAND Corporation survey.
Those who expressed vaccine hesitancy also showed high levels of overall mistrust in the vaccine, concerns about potential harm and side effects, and lack of confidence in vaccine effectiveness and safety.
Participants in the RAND survey reported higher trust in COVID-19 information from health care providers and public health officials than from elected local and federal officials.
The findings are based on a survey of 207 Black Americans who are participants in the RAND American Life Panel, a nationally representative internet panel. Participants were surveyed during November and December 2020.
Black Americans are often skeptical about the nation s health care system, a result of systemic racism. A new survey finds that Black Americans have a high level of vaccine hesitancy and mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines, including among Black health care workers.