A new study conducted by BlackDoctor.org (BDO), the leading health and wellness site for Black Americans with over 20 million monthly reach, shows that approximately 8.7 million Blacks 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% 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% for Black adults.
Now, BDO highlights a significant breakthrough with its current survey findings. The number of Blacks stating they will not take the vaccine has dropped to 42%, a substantial decrease from 60%. Thirty percent (30%) 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: The National Black Nurses Association, the National Medical Association, the National Urban League, the 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,” states 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.” The next event is scheduled for January 7, 2021 on the BlackDoctor.org Facebook page.