Vaccine Hesitancy Is a Barrier to Achieving Equitable Herd Immunity Among Racial Minorities.

Philip Gerretsen,Lena Quilty,Branka Agic,Samantha Wells,Ariel Graff-Guerrero,Julia Kim,Eric E Brown,Bruce G Pollock

doi:10.3389/fmed.2021.668299

Philip Gerretsen, Lena Quilty + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2021.668299

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Abstract

Introduction: Racial minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Vaccine hesitancy may be a major barrier to achieving equitable herd immunity and must be addressed to reduce the excess morbidity and mortality of COVID-19 in disproportionately affected communities. This study aimed to determine if COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, and its factors vaccine complacency and confidence, are more prominent among disproportionately affected racial minority groups.Methods:We collected data from participants aged 18 years or older from the four most populous U.S. states, including New York, California, Florida, and Texas, and Canada. Data were collected using a web-based survey platform. Data are available at http://www.covid19-database.com.Results:Data from 4,434 participants were included [mean (SD) age = 48.7 (17.2) and 50.4% women]. Vaccine hesitancy was higher in Black, Indigenous (Native American and Indigenous People of Canada, including First Nations, Inuit and Métis), and Latinx compared to White participants, while no difference was found between East Asian and White participants. The group differences in vaccine hesitancy for Indigenous and Black compared to White participants remained after controlling for sociodemographic factors. Determinants of vaccine complacency were equivalent between disproportionately affected racial groups and white participants. Vaccine confidence (i.e., trust in vaccine benefit) was generally lower in all racial groups compared to White participants. Differences in vaccine mistrust comparing Black and East Asian to White participants remained after controlling for sociodemographic factors.Discussion:Disproportionately affected racial minorities may have higher vaccine hesitancy and lower confidence in COVID-19 vaccines. Public health and other relevant government services should address vaccine hesitancy among racial minorities using a culturally sensitive, community-centered approach to attain equitable herd immunity.

Highlights

Racial minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19)
The present paper focuses on vaccine hesitancy and the determinants of vaccine complacency and confidence
Vaccine hesitancy was significantly higher in Black, Indigenous, and Latinx compared to White participants (Table 1; Figure 2)

Summary

Introduction

Racial minority groups have been disproportionately affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Indigenous, and Latinx (i.e., people of Latin American cultural or ethnic identity) populations have had ≥2.6 times higher case rates [2] and ≥3.3 times higher mortality rates than non-Latinx White individuals [6] To address these health disparities, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have recommended prioritization of racial minorities who are socioeconomically and epidemiologically disadvantaged for COVID-19 vaccines [2, 7]. To accomplish this in the U.S, indices are available, including the Social Vulnerability Index [8] and the Area Deprivation Index [9], to guide the equitable distribution of vaccines based on regional socioeconomic status.

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