While enduring this unprecedented pandemic with high infection and death rates for close to a year, we FINALLY have a COVID-19 vaccine. Whoo hoo right? Well, not so fast. While some people are jubilant over this scientific breakthrough, others are terrified and for good reason. There are those especially in under-served, under-privileged communities who are just plain scared in becoming vaccinated against the virus. Many of us are aware of the cruel Tuskeegee Study. The Tuskegee Study is considered a residual wound in American minority health care. Research has long suggested that the residual effects of the Tuskegee Study extend beyond those men, and their families involved to making an imprint on African American culture as a whole. As a result of this fear factor, African Americans needing health care frequently express distrust in physicians, and the medical system largely because of anxiety and intimidation. This fear originates from lack of advocacy, and limited resources leading to not receiving enough information in making educated decisions. As COVID-19 vaccines rolls out, the needs of urban community residents must be acknowledged. Health care officials must encourage, and strongly advocate for awareness. They must take the lead ensuring convenience in vaccine sites, administration process, along with staff who exercise patience in providing information alleviating fear in becoming vaccinated against COVID-19. Effective communication is key in reducing language and knowledge barriers. The more COVID-19 vaccine information is available to those who otherwise might not receive it, the more likely residents especially those in urban communities will be receptive to obtaining the vaccine.
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