Quelling vaccine hesitancy in minority communities
Q: As fearful as we are about the coronavirus, some of us in minority communities have serious concerns about getting the vaccine when the time comes. What would you say to put our minds at ease?
A: I retired in July 2019 as the health officer for the Hamilton County Health Department after 32 years of service, and I remain a strong proponent of public health. As a previous health officer, I am very familiar with the health department’s processes and protocols. I rejoined the department at the end of 2020 to lead a campaign to promote awareness and acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in our vulnerable populations, with emphasis on minorities who are disproportionately affected by COVID-19 and those who may be vaccine hesitant.
The vulnerable, medically underserved and those with certain chronic medical conditions are at greater risk of serious illness, complications and deaths from COVID-19.
In Hamilton County, Black or African Americans comprise 19.3% of the population. As of Jan. 25, 2021, they comprised 18% of the COVID19 cumulative cases and 28% of the COVID-19 cumulative deaths in Hamilton County. With the extensive community spread, most of us know or know of someone who has had COVID-19.
The two currently available vaccines produced by Pfizer and Moderna are safe and effective. I have taken the COVID-19 vaccine, and it is my goal to provide information about the vaccine and promote its use. COVID-19 has affected the very fabric of our lives, and the COVID-19 vaccine will give us a measure of protection that we have not had.
I am encouraging anyone who may have questions about the vaccine to consult with their health-care provider or the health department’s website, health.hamiltontn.org, and hotline, 423-209-8383, for information.