It has been widely noted that COVID-19 has had a disproportionately deadly impact on Black and Latinx populations. With the reopening of schools, the fall flu season and growing economic stress, the impact of the virus will be exacerbated. And the uncertainty of when a vaccine will be approved only adds to the virus' stronghold.
For many communities, however, the vaccine is not seen as a panacea. Mistrust is especially pronounced in Black communities. A recent poll conducted by the University of Miami found that 22 percent of white and Latino respondents, compared to 42 percent of Black respondents, said they agreed with the following statement: “The coronavirus is being used to force a dangerous and unnecessary vaccine on Americans.”
The suspicion between Black communities and health care institutions has long historical roots that include a legacy of unethical federal medical experiments, a lack of access to vaccines, and generations of cultural misunderstandings. Recent actions like the government’s mishandling of the pandemic is amplifying vaccine-skeptic positions.
A task force of 23 epidemiologists and vaccine behavior specialists underlined the importance of establishing trust for the vaccine. The group stated, “If poorly designed and executed, a COVID-19 vaccination campaign in the U.S. could undermine the increasingly tenuous belief in vaccines and the public health authorities that recommend them — especially among people most at risk of COVID-19 impacts.”
The establishment of public trust, especially among underserved communities, will be necessary as we come upon flu season. Recent articles, like this one, are urging a massive uptake in flu vaccinations this year, as the dual threat of the flu and COVID-19 has the potential to overwhelm hospitals. In the event of a “twindemic,” women will be especially at risk, as they make up 75% of all hospital employees. Lower income families, more likely working in essential services, including low-level healthcare jobs, will also be placed in greater danger.
Battling distrust requires a hyper-local, community-centered approach. This is not a challenge for healthcare providers alone. Local governments, large corporate employers and colleges, all have a critical role to play and engaging communities must begin now.