top of page
Vaccine

Why Vaccines ?

Vaccines are a cornerstone of public health, preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death caused by infectious diseases. For COVID-19, vaccines have proven to be highly effective in reducing the risk of severe outcomes and helping communities return to normal activities. However, vaccination rates and access have varied significantly across different populations, with African American communities often facing unique challenges.

 

Why Vaccines Are Important

1. Prevention of Severe Illness: COVID-19 vaccines reduce the likelihood of severe disease, long COVID, and mortality.

2. Community Immunity: Vaccination helps protect those who cannot get vaccinated due to medical reasons.

3. Reduction in Health Care Burden: High vaccination rates reduce strain on healthcare systems and resources.

Happy Family

Impact on African American Communities African American communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 due to longstanding health and social inequities:

​

1. Higher COVID-19 Case and Mortality Rates:

  • African Americans have higher hospitalization and death rates from COVID-19 compared to other racial groups.

  • Risk factors include higher prevalence of chronic conditions (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, obesity) that increase COVID-19 severity.

2. Social Determinants of Health:

  • Limited access to healthcare, education, and employment contribute to lower vaccine uptake.

  • Barriers include lack of transportation, limited clinic hours, and fewer healthcare facilities in predominantly Black neighborhoods.

3. Historical Mistrust:

  • Skepticism toward medical institutions due to historical injustices, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, fuels vaccine hesitancy.

  •  Trust-building through community leaders and culturally sensitive education is crucial.

4. Healthcare Disparities:

  •  African Americans are less likely to have access to preventative care, including vaccines.

  • Structural barriers and implicit bias in healthcare settings exacerbate disparities.

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources

​

https://www.supremefamilyfoundation.org/covid19vaccines

​

https://mercyatlanta.org/covidvaccine/

​

https://www.coreresponse.org/covid-19/

​

​

bottom of page