Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in BIPOC Communities — Toward Trustworthiness, Partnership, and Reciprocity

Abstract

How did these trials move so quickly? Researchers used existing clinical trial networks. Manufacturing started while the clinical trials were still underway. mRNA vaccines are faster to produce than traditional vaccines. Other sponsors use platforms that have proven successful in the development of vaccines. The studies included more participants than a typical study and disease transmission rates were high, enabling researchers to determine efficacy in a short time. The FDA and the CDC prioritized review, authorization, and recommendation of Covid-19 vaccines. Were vaccines tested on people like me? Yes. Vaccine trials included all adults >18 yr of age. It was mandated that 25% of participants in Moderna and Pfizer trials were to be >65 yr of age. It was mandated that 30% of participants in Janssen trial were to be >60 yr of age. Study participants included at least 25% of people with common health problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, HIV, and cancer. There were no exclusions for diseases or medications, except immunosuppression. Vaccine studies did not include pregnant people. Do these vaccines work for all races/ ethnic groups? Yes. There is strong evidence that the vaccines work well for all people, regardless of their genetic background.