A new study conducted by BlackDoctor.org (BDO), the leading health and wellness site for Black Americans, shows that approximately 8.7 million Black people are now more receptive to taking the COVID vaccine, and the hardline stance of vaccine hesitancy is decreasing substantially. BDO has conducted numerous surveys beginning in April 2020 regarding the willingness of Blacks to take the vaccine. Over the course of this year and on average, approximately 60 percent of Black Americans reported they were not taking the vaccine for a variety of reasons. In one survey, the percentage of vaccine hesitancy increased to 91 percent for Black adults.
Now, BDO highlights a significant breakthrough with its current survey findings. The number of Black people stating they will not take the vaccine has dropped to 42 percent, a substantial decrease from 60 percent. Thirty percent now say they want more information. Three prevailing mindsets have emerged from Black Americans:
- 28% want to take the vaccine (8.7 million adults)
- 30% want more information (9.3 million adults)
- 42% say they will not take the vaccine (13 million adults, but down from 18.6 million)
Of particular note is the 5.6 million that have altered their stance while citing the combination of the following reasons: the fact that the top Black doctors are saying it is safe and that they learned more about the vaccine on trusted websites like BDO. Reggie Ware, CEO of BDO credits the Black Coalition Against COVID-19 with helping the Black community overcome vaccine hesitancy and achieve this historic level of success.
Dr. Reed Tuckson is the co-founder of the coalition, which consists of the four Black medical schools: National Black Nurses Association; National Medical Association; National Urban League; Cobb Institute of the NMA and BlackDoctor.org.
"It is now time to be very deliberate to ensure the 8 million Blacks who want the vaccine actually receive the vaccination," stated Dr. Reed Tuckson. "Additionally, the 9.3 million people who want more information should absolutely receive it, and the coalition is poised to inform and answer questions through the BDO platform with a variety of Facebook Live broadcasts and other outreach activities." Visit the BlackDoctor.org Facebook page.
For more than 15 years, BlackDoctor.org has dedicated itself to providing culturally accurate and relevant information to its audience of more than 20 million. BDO is the largest and most trusted source of health and wellness content for Black consumers and posts daily to provide the most current and up-to-date information. BDO does not tell people to take the vaccine. Instead, the site has focused on providing facts for informed decision-making and information on how those who want the vaccine can get it. Based on this latest survey, this approach is having an effect on how Blacks view the vaccine.
