Faith leaders of black and brown communities receive COVID-19 shots in hopes that it will encourage the community to get vaccinated as well.
What We Know:
- The Washington National Cathedral held a vaccination rollout which drew in many faith leaders to receive their vaccination. The event was essentially a vaccine rollout aimed at promoting more Americans to go and get vaccinated. According to reports, the event specifically targeted communities of color.
- Dr. Eliseo Perez-Stable said that half of the cases come from African American, Latino, American Indian, and Pacific Islanders. He claims that the reason these disparities exist in these communities is that most are not offered options for employment, such as working from home. “But the reality is that the infections are more likely because people live in more crowded positions. They work jobs that do not allow the privilege of teleworking. They cannot self-isolate at home”, said Perez-Stable.
- Figures such as Melissa Rodgers claim that having religious figures receive their vaccine will encourage communities of color to be more willing to get their shots. According to reports, she believes people will feel more comfortable receiving their vaccinations in places of worship with religious leaders who are some of the most trusted leaders in these communities.
“Faith-based orgs can play key roles in helping Americans get vaccinated,” WH faith outreach dir. @melissarogers says at @WNCathedral. Says some Americans more comfortable w/ vaccination at churches over pharmacies & trust faith leaders, who know how to reach underserved people. pic.twitter.com/UmlIF7bkEx
— Michael J. O’Loughlin (@MikeOLoughlin) March 16, 2021
- Reports show that Black and Latinos are suffering the most from the effects of the virus. Officials believe there is distrust between these communities due to previous wrongdoings in the past. Officials also believe that a lack of resources such as the Internet and translated governments websites play a part in the lack of vaccination of communities of color.
This vaccination rollout might just be enough to start getting more people vaccinated in these communities that are heavily influenced by religion.
