Should Black Communities Take the COVID-19 Vaccine?
The time we have all been anxiously awaiting has arrived. We finally have several successful coronavirus vaccines. Now, African Americans’ COVID-19 dilemma comes front and center. Should our communities take the vaccine? Is it time to trust medical science and the doctors who treat us?
Why is there distrust of the medical profession?
As we know, our communities do not trust government statements about medicine. Our panel of doctors discussed community fears in one of our podcasts. And, historically there is good reason to fear the medical profession. Everyone can cite the Tuskegee syphilis study, but poor health care results abound, even today. For example, Black men die from higher rates of prostrate cancer having nothing to do with genetics. Black women and infants die at significantly higher rates than white women and babies. Some research even suggests the race of the treating doctor can impact health results. But, recent news also reveals our communities as well as Native American communities bore the brunt of COVID-19 deaths. Our dilemma is: should African Americans take the COVID-19 vaccine, or should they continue to risk illness and death?
Doctors try to reassure the African American community
Firstly, African American doctors and nurses were part of teams researching the development of a vaccine. Secondly, they also participated in research trials to test promising vaccine candidates. Some have even spent time on the street in Black communities educating people about vaccines. In addition, Dr. Fauci, the nationally known expert on infectious diseases addressed the African American communities to explain why we should take the vaccine. He introduced Dr. Kizzmekia Corbitt, who helped develop the Moderna vaccine. If you haven’t seen it yet, please watch “A Love Letter to the Black Community.“
Our elected political leaders turned a cold, blind eye to the impact of coronavirus in communities of color. As a result, our communities suffered terribly from this disease. Now, our own doctors are telling us the vaccines are safe. Do not participate in the political attempts to eradicate our communities. To sum it up, when your turn come…take the vaccine.*
Make sure you read:
Black Doctors, Scientists try to boost trust in coronavirus vaccine for the Black community
*People with severe allergies may not be suitable candidates for the vaccine. Always consult with your doctor.