What Is the Black Coalition Against COVID?
They hope to encourage COVID vaccinations in Black Americans by providing trustworthy information from reputable Black doctors and leaders.
Why Does Vaccine Hesitancy Exist?
Courtesy of the Black Coalition Against COVID
At the root of most vaccine hesitancy lies distrust of the medical community.
Historically there has been racism within the health system.
Other barriers to access include a lack of approachable information about the vaccines, and difficulty accessing appointments.
Some individuals may experience difficulties booking appointments online or lack transportation to vaccination sites.
People need to know that its ok to have questions," Tuckson says.
“They need to know that we are supportive of the risk-benefit ratio, and we respect that process.
Theres been a lot of unvalidated conspiracy theories that have been put out on the internet.
The places and people who can administer the vaccines also make a difference.
There are certain places that people within the Black community like to get their vaccines.
Some may prefer to see their family doctor or primary care provider who they already trust, Perkins says.
We need to get vaccines into family and primary care practices, which wasnt an option before.
The federal and state governments are starting to recognize that you have to have providers the Black community trust.
Perkins also stresses the importance of healthcare providers getting vaccinated themselves.
“People are more likely to get the vaccine if they know someone who has gotten it.
You are making our jobs easier by protecting everyone else.
For the most recent updates on COVID-19, visit ourcoronavirus news page.
Henrietta Lacks: science must right a historical wrong.Nature.
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