Black Families Prioritized Protection from COVID-19
“When America gets a cold, the Black community gets pneumonia.” This saying is well-known to many who pay attention to areas of healthcare and health equity in this health-compromised and vulnerable population of America. Yes, there was a cold, there was pneumonia, and there was COVID-19. Once again, those of highest risk were the most adversely affected. As a national advocate for equity and a research consultant for the national We Can Do This COVID-19 vaccination campaign, these were not my musings. Just look at the data.
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Black individuals were almost twice as likely to be hospitalized or die from COVID-19 infections than their white counterparts. They also reported that Black women were three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes and twice as likely to die than their White counterparts if that cause was the COVID-19 virus. These disparate results seem to persist as new variants of the virus emerge.
Looking at the myriad of commercials and ads regarding COVID-19 vaccinations, one would have expected that the rates of infection and complications would have demonstrated more positive outcomes and a closing of the gap for this community. However, this was not the case. COVID-19 vaccination rates for Black individuals lagged behind their White counterparts on all levels (initial vaccine and boosters). Simply putting the vaccine out there did not encourage people to go get them. A different approach and attack plan was needed and necessary. Do we continue to shake our heads and talk about it, or do we authentically engage in known strategies to move towards an equitable prevention plan to reverse this inequitable trend?
Research data, both primary and secondary, disclosed several barriers to the Black community receiving the vaccine. Vaccine hesitancy, which likely stemmed from a lack of trust in providers and the healthcare system, was a primary barrier. It became clear that simply providing the vaccine in community locations was not enough to drive individuals to the sites, and that other strategies were necessary to increase engagement and decision-making around the virus itself and to find ways to promote vaccination and other preventative measures.
Research conducted by the We Can Do This COVID-19 Public Education Campaign revealed that culturally-linked partnerships with known organizations like Black Sororities, fraternities, social and fraternal groups, as well as culturally-targeted media programming featuring trusted messengers from the community, and community outreach efforts, were prioritized by interviewees when discussing the vaccine. The data also highlighted that work hours, school activities, and lack of transportation to vaccine sites due to public transportation disruptions significantly contributed to low vaccine uptake. Additionally, people were concerned about the lack of registration assistance and clear information regarding the vaccine.
It was clear that there was no one-size-fits-all approach when it came to addressing health equity issues. We had to find the size that fit the most adversely affected segment of the American family and work from there. We, too, were America.
And, that’s Real Talk!
*CMRignite is a subcontractor to the Fors Marsh Group for the HHS COVID-19 Public Education Campaign. The firm is a social impact and cause marketing agency that engaged in a project to understand the root causes of low vaccination rates in Black communities.
Was this article helpful?
