Just this past November, a survey by the Pew Research Center noted that just 42 percent of Black respondents said they were likely to get vaccinated, compared to 60 percent of respondents overall. The fact is that given where Blacks typically live, in urban areas and our disposition toward high rates of comorbidities, including but not limited to obesity, heart disease and diabetes, every effort possible should be made to promote the vaccination and alleviate fears our community may have related to being hesitant to get the vaccine.
Yes, the Tuskegee experiment was real and has had a negative impact on the health beliefs and practices of Blacks in America. Likewise, prior and after the American Civil War, African Americans were a different species from White Americans. It is irresponsible for anyone to downplay this reality without trying to encourage Blacks in America to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19 by getting the vaccine.
Torrance Stephens is an infectious disease scientist. His essays can be found at https://torrancestephensphd.substack.com/
