The beginning of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout was a bit slow, mainly because not every adult was qualified to receive a vaccine. Only adults over the age of 65 and healthcare workers were qualified to receive a COVID-19 vaccine in the beginning. Alabama didn’t see a significant peak of vaccines being administered until mid-January, although many people were taking the “wait and see” approach, fearful of harmful side effects.

Racial Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccination Rates

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought social and racial injustice and inequity to the forefront of public health. It has highlighted that health equity is still not a reality as COVID-19 has unequally affected many racial and ethnic minority groups, putting them more at risk of getting sick and dying from COVID-19.

The term “racial and ethnic minority groups” includes people of color with a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Negative experiences are common to many people within these groups, and some social determinants of health have historically prevented them from having fair opportunities for economic, physical, and emotional health.

Only a little more than 20% of African Americans have been vaccinated compared to over 57% of Caucasians, leaving the Black population susceptible to COVID-19 complications.

Almost 65% of all Americans have been vaccinated against the deadly virus. Alabama comes in second in the United States with the lowest vaccination
rate. Since we are ranked at the bottom of vaccinations, we are ranked at a lower rate than states with a comparable population of residents. African American residents have many reasons to be skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccines, given Alabama’s history.

Vaccine Hesitancy is Rooted in a History of Racism

In Alabama, the historical “Study of Untreated Syphilis” took place in Macon County, one of the counties where The Wellness Coalition works. This experiment left many families hurt and afraid of medical resources as the men with syphilis who took part in the study were denied access to what could cure it – penicillin.

In Montgomery, Dr. Marion Sims used enslaved African American women to experiment with gynecological surgeries and procedures without allowing the
women to have available anesthesia.

We understand that these experiments have dampened trust with medicine, but this time is different. The COVID-19 vaccines are not being withheld from any adults and they are not just given to African Americans. The COVID-19 vaccines are for all adults and some children to decrease the spread of the Coronavirus and hospitalizations.

Getting a COVID-19 Vaccine Will Help You Stay Safe

TWC is working to combat fears of COVID-19 vaccines by providing facts about the types of vaccines. We are educating communities on the seriousness of the virus and the importance of vaccines. We have also partnered with African American-led churches from our Health Ministry Program and pharmacies to hold clinics in our community.

To find a COVID-19 testing or vaccination site near you, visit thewellnesscoalition.org/covid.