The New York Times published an opinion piece co-signed by 60 Black members of the National Academy of Medicine urging Black Americans to get vaccinated! Opinion | 60 Black Health Experts Urge Black Americans to Get the Covid Vaccine – The New York Times (nytimes.com). Dr. Ada Adimora (Principle Investigator for the UNC MWCCS site) and Dean Selwyn Vickers (School of Medicine, UAB) are among the group of African American Medical Health Experts who have co-signed this article in support.
At a time when American citizens should trust their government to protect them during the COVID-19 pandemic, trust does not come easily for many Black Americans. Social Media is spreading misinformation about the coronavirus and COVID-19 vaccines, feeding distrust among communities.
Black Americans are far less likely than other groups to intend to get vaccinated against COVID-19. However, pandemic has disproportionately killed African Americans at a rate 1.5 times as high as white Americans in cases in which race is known. That is why it is so important that all Black Americans get vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine to protect themselves
Vaccines are now available and safe (visit www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/vaccines for COVID-19 Vaccine safety and benefits). The vaccines clinical studies trials were conducted across a diverse group of Americans from all backgrounds, including Black Americans. It is important to mention that teams of Black scientists participated in the development, test and review panels for the vaccines to ensure they are safe and effective. Black public health professionals feel confident that the research was done correctly. They support that everyone – regardless of race – should receive the COVID-19 vaccines.
MWCCS investigators encourage everyone to claim your place in line to get vaccinated!
(Article from Opinion | 60 Black Health Experts Urge Black Americans to Get the Covid Vaccine – The New York Times (nytimes.com))
