Vaccine Equity: Lessons Learned Exploring Facilitators and Barriers to COVID-19 Vaccination in Urban Black Communities

COVID-19 vaccines were developed at unparalleled speed, but racial disparities persist in vaccine uptake. This is a cross-sectional survey that was conducted in mid-2021 in ambulatory clinics across Brooklyn, New York. The objectives of the study were to assess: knowledge of COVID-19, healthcare communication and access, attitudes including trust in the process of vaccine development and mistrust due to racial discrimination, and to determine the relationship of the above to vaccine receipt. 58 respondents self-identified as Black non-Hispanic and completed the survey: the majority were women (79%), <50 years old (65%), employed (66%), and had annual household income <$75,000 (59%). The majority reported having some health insurance (97%) and a regular place of healthcare (95%). 60% of respondents reported COVID-19 vaccination receipt. A significant percentage of the vaccinated group compared to the unvaccinated group scored higher on knowledge questions (91% vs. 65%; p = 0.018), felt it was important that others in the community get vaccinated (89% vs. 65%, p = 0.04), and trusted vaccine safety (86% vs. 35%; p < 0.0001) and effectiveness (88% vs. 48%; p < 0.001). The unvaccinated group reported a lower annual household income of <$75,000 (72% vs. 50%; p = 0.0002) and also differed by employment status (p = 0.04). Majority in both groups agreed that racial discrimination interferes with healthcare (78%). In summary, unvaccinated Black non-Hispanic respondents report significant concerns about vaccine safety and efficacy and have greater mistrust in the vaccine development process. The relationship between racial discrimination, mistrust, and vaccine hesitancy needs further study in order to improve vaccine uptake in this population.