UCSF

Abstract: Black/African Americans represent 13% of the population, yet account for about a quarter of COVID-19 deaths. Black Americans receive COVID-19 vaccines at lower rates than whites. To address this gap, we examined effects of the COVID-19 pandemic among Black Americans, emphasizing understanding trust and vaccines. Data were collected (July to September 2020) using 8 virtual focus groups in Detroit and San Francisco with 33 older Black Americans and 11 caregivers. Content analysis was used to identify themes. The first theme pointed to a sense of feeling abandoned by healthcare providers and the government, which exacerbated uncertainty and fear. The second theme emphasized distrust towards healthcare providers and government. The third theme pointed to a reluctance in receiving the vaccine because of distrust of pharmaceutical companies and government, as well as misinformation. These findings suggest that underlying systemic issues need to be addressed to accelerate vaccine uptake among older Black Americans.