“I don’t know, I don’t understand,” said the 85-year-old. “I know where it’s coming from.”
Cunningham, who lives in Hobson City, AL, is among black Americans who have little faith in doctors and Covid-19 vaccines recently developed by pharmaceutical companies.
Alabama is taking a beating from the coronavirus, with more than 29% of the state’s 14-day positivity rate. In Clubson County, where Hobson City sits, the rate is 37%.
However, older residents like Cunningham will not even take the Covid-19 test.
The history of American racism in medical research and the lack of trust in the federal government have made some black Americans and Latinos reluctant to receive the vaccine.
Health and community leaders fear that some Black and Latino Americans will not be vaccinated because of the hesitation of the vaccine, as Covid-19 batters their communities in disproportionate rates.
However, Latino Americans were more optimistic with 34% saying they believe the vaccine will be safe and 40% believe it will be effective.
Much of their hesitation is due to distrust in the federal government and distrust in the country’s history of racism in medical research and healthcare, the study found.
Carlton Gordon also says he will not be vaccinated immediately.
Gordon, a black father living outside of Chicago, says he is concerned the vaccine is being marketed and has been tested to see if black people are safe.
“I will try to clarify the vaccine, which is not clearly proven,” Gordon said. I can change my point of view. ”
Communities should launch an information campaign and town hall plan to discuss how and why the vaccine works, Harris said.
“It has to be a black person who talks to a black person,” Harris said. “You’re not suddenly trusting the group of people you trust because science says this.”
Fear of being a ‘guinea pig’
Ernest Grant, president of the American Nurses Association, took part in this fall vaccine trial, in the hope that he would face danger in the surrounding black community.
Grant, who is black, said he took two required doses of the vaccine – the first sept. 9 and the second Oct. – and experiencing mild side effects such as fatigue and chills.
Although the trial is double-blind, meaning that researchers and participants do not know who the real vaccine is or where the placebo is, Grant said he is confident the vaccine is safe. He has recommended vaccinating other black leaders so that they can share their experience and knowledge with the community.
“I am confident that once it is released to the public there should be no hesitation in getting vaccinated,” Grant said. “At some point there is always the possibility that it (Covid-19) could happen to you and if I know there is a remedy that could potentially save me, I think I will go for treatment.”
Yet, it is still difficult for some black people to trust because of the racial bias of healthcare providers.
Carmen Bailey of Cleveland, OH, said she was diagnosed with Covid-19 in April and avoided medical help because doctors had treated her badly in the past.
Bailey, who still suffers from the side effects of Covid-19 along with her heart, lungs and kidneys, said she refused the vaccine.
52. Bailey said, “We don’t know the side effects.” I really think at the moment … the people who will be vaccinated are guinea pigs. ”
History has left a dark cloud for some black people.
Black people who were enslaved were historically used by doctors to test drugs and surgeries that caused health problems or death.
Still, black physicians have rallied around the vaccine in recent weeks.
Last month, COVID Against the Black Coalition published a “Love Letter to Back America” signed by eight leading black doctors who encouraged black people to participate in vaccine tests and get vaccinated once proven safe.
“We know that our collective role in helping to create a working vaccine for black people – and what we believe – has an impact on our survival.”
Black pastors have also come together to share information about the vaccine.
Sheffield said he was ready to be one of the blacks before the vaccine came out.
“We’ve got a great job of persuading people to get vaccinated,” Sheffield said. “And the only people who can give that message are us (black leaders).”
Black leaders in New York, including Sharpton, launched a task force this week to address the Covid-19 vaccine and vaccine safety concerns in the black community.
Activists say that in the Latino community, many people do not get vaccinated because of mistrust in the federal government.
Lack of access is half the battle
Karen said Latino Americans will search their trusted trusted leaders and organizations for information on vaccine trial data, side effects, and where they can safely get vaccinated in their neighborhoods if they are not insured.
“Historically, there has been no significant outreach to help the community realize confidence in the health system.” “We want to ensure that information is transmitted in plain, simple and clear words.”
But gaining the trust of Black and Latino Americans is half the battle.
Many people of color living in poor and urban neighborhoods do not have doctors or healthcare facilities near their homes. They also lack transportation.
Existing clinics in urban centers such as Chicago and Atlanta worry that once the vaccine reaches the general public they will not have the resources to reach every patient.
Earlier this year, some personal protective devices and Covid-19 came out of the tests.
Wilding said his clinic is not equipped for the community outreach, vaccine storage and other logistics needed to get each patient two doses of the vaccine.
She is also concerned that her patients, especially one parent and essential workers, will not be able to take their families to the clinic twice.
“Covid-19 points to the fact that safety net healthcare providers have always been known and that is the inequality of healthcare access.” “When we talk about the right approach to vaccine distribution, free and charitable health centers need to be dimensioned in that approach.”
Brenna Lethrop, head of the Good Samaritan Health Center in Atlanta, is also in the boat.
Lathroff said he needed money for syringes and needles. She also needs help to reassure patients that the vaccine is safe and needed.
“I think people are already feeling a little scared and overwhelmed,” Lathrop said. “We talk about their questions and we want them to feel comfortable. But when you’re suddenly talking about vaccinating hundreds of people, I can’t sit down with hundreds of people and talk to them.”
CNN’s Laura Dolan, Elizabeth Cohen and Maggie Fox will contribute to the report.
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