Building immunization awareness in communities of color

As we enter the height of cold and flu season, combined with the constant threat of new COVID-19 strains, it’s important to remember that life-threatening viruses are still spreading at high rates. To compound the issue, millions of Americans, especially among our youngest and most vulnerable demographics, have yet to receive a vaccine or booster.

When the COVID vaccination was introduced, a poll showed that just 14% of Black adults said they completely or mostly trust that a vaccine will be safe and only 18% trusted in its effectiveness. For Latino adults, those numbers were 34% and 40%, respectively. Minority communities are unique, and the medical community must not only recognize that but adjust their messaging and approach to the COVID vaccine.

Yes, it’s important to provide adequate education and access to the vaccine, but it’s more important to break the cycle of distrust, confusion and fear.

Beyond simply making such vaccines available in minority communities, we must build a foundation of trust in the health system that leads to a belief that these vaccines are safe, accessible and effective.

There is one initiative in Pennsylvania that has exhibited relentless dedication to pursuing this mission since the pandemic began. The CATE COVID-19 mobile testing and vaccination unit underscores the importance of immunization awareness. Many of those served by CATE have limitations and barriers that would have otherwise prevented them from receiving a COVID-19 vaccine — transportation and language being among the largest. This mobile unit strategically selects locations in underserved communities that are accessible by walking or public transportation. And every event is staffed by diverse, bilingual community health workers.

The CATE initiative remains an important reminder of the need to recognize and actively address the health disparities and related care gaps among our minority populations. Such mobile units are a model for what can be accomplished for other health initiatives that seek to reach diverse and underserved populations.

And the power to fuel these initiatives lies in partnerships. CATE was powered by funding and support received from more than 200 community partners. But even with these efforts, many people lack access to basic health resources extending far beyond COVID vaccines. How can we ask people to focus on preventive health when they are faced with far greater issues that are major social determinants of health?

We as a community must recognize and address issues like safe and affordable housing, reliable jobs, access to health care and medicine, dependable transportation and financial literacy before we can also expect individuals to trust the system and follow health care guidelines like receiving a vaccine.

Addressing these issues requires a commitment from all community leaders and business partners, many of whom have sidestepped the minority community for far too long.

I urge Pennsylvania’s community health partners to increase efforts to reach minority communities with health resources.

It will take time and the right approach to instill trust and gain credibility. This includes meeting people where they are, making education and resources accessible, understandable and translated where needed and breaking down financial barriers.

And to my fellow brothers and sisters of color, we have to take part in the process. I encourage you to educate yourself with trustworthy sources, speak to medical professionals you respect, and seek guidance from those who have your best interests at heart.