Special Populations-Black Communities

Black Wisconsin residents hold the lowest vaccine reception rates in relation to other races in the state [ 1] and have lower vaccination rates than Black Americans generally [ 2]. Sadly, these statistics coincide with Black residents holding the highest rates of COVID related hospitalizations in Wisconsin [ 3]. Black Americans are disproportionately affected by socioeconomic and health disparities [ 4] created by conscious, unconscious, and historical racism and segregation [ 5]. Further, Black communities are particularly hesitant towards American medical research and healthcare due to historic racism and discriminatory practices perpetuated in such fields [ 6]. Ultimately, the distrust that is enabled by such systemic racism, along with the deleterious effects of misinformation in Black communities [ 7], precludes a willingness to receive COVID-19 vaccinations. Moreover, vaccine intake in Black communities is hindered by systemic and structural barriers, such as inadequate distribution and availability as well as limited access and transportation [ 5].

WI-Black-Pop-Rates


Source: Wisconsin COVID-19 Hospitalization Rates by Race and Ethnicity
Wisconsin Department of Health Services. (2022, April 14). COVID-19: Racial and ethnic disparities. Retrieved April 28, 2022, from https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/disparities.htm#disparities


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