Our Best Shot: Communities of color face unique vaccination fears But a number of welcome initiatives are underway to address hesitancy.
By EDITORIAL BOARD, Star Tribune April 3, 2021 6:00pm Text size Copy shortlink:
For a variety of reasons, some Minnesotans of color are especially hesitant about getting COVID-19 vaccinations.
Within Asian, Black, Hispanic and Indigenous communities, suspicion of government can be a barrier. Rumors and misinformation about side effects and other potential risks persist, and even for those seeking the shots access can be a problem.
Some Black residents express fear because of discrimination they ve experienced in the health care system. They re understandably wary because of historical offenses against Blacks, such as the Tuskegee Study of untreated syphilis in Black men in Alabama from the 1930s until the 1970s.
The Rev. Celester Webb walked between pews that have been empty since March, toward the vials of vaccine waiting at the front of his church.
The nurses brought enough for 150 people to get their first COVID-19 vaccination under the roof of United Church of God in Christ in St. Paul. The first shot was going in the pastor s arm, so the congregation could see, so the congregation would know, that it was safe. I think it s a smart move to do it in churches, where you see familiar faces, said Webb, who can address his congregation s concerns about the vaccine because he shared them. I m going to get it. I m not crazy about it, but I don t want to get sick and die and I don t want my loved ones to get sick and die.
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Ingrid Johansen: Minnesota nurse on a mission to vaccinate diverse populations
She uses a longtime model that involves strong relationships with community partnerships and a commitment to “show up and stay.” Author: Jennifer Hoff Updated: 6:50 PM CST February 25, 2021
MINNEAPOLIS As more doses are delivered to Minnesota, there s a real need to target diverse groups of people hesitant to get the vaccine. There s a local nurse who s leading the way.
Ingrid Johansen is a longtime nurse at M Health Fairview. She is also the manager of Clinical Care and Outreach and Director of the Minnesota Immunization Networking Initiative (MINI). MINI is a 15-year-old community collaborative led by Fairview and supported by over 100 community partners.