Vaccine Hesitancy a Major Concern Affecting Black Community By Sentinel News Service But Stresses Benefits of the Vaccine
Woman receiving COVID 19 Vaccine (Courtesy Photo) When she became eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine, Dawn Gravely, a Black woman who is a personal trainer, didn’t embrace the opportunity to get vaccinated. She had many questions: Was the vaccine rushed through approval? Is it safe? Will it really make a difference? Gravely’s hesitancy is not unusual in the Black community. In fact, some studies, including one by Johns Hopkins University, show as many as 31% of Black Americans say they won’t get the COVID-19 vaccine due to a strong feeling of distrust. This was recently reinforced by the pause of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine following blood clots being reported by six women who had received that vaccine.