Exploring the intersection of racism, antimicrobial resistance, and vaccine equity

Abstract

Structural racism and systemic health inequities have an overwhelming and deadly impact on racially and ethnically minoritized groups. Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is widely considered a global public health threat, and concerns that minoritized groups are disproportionately affected are increasing. With the emergence and spread of AMR, novel therapies and prevention strategies are imperative. Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) has highlighted stark imbalances in the hospitalization and death rates of minoritized individuals compared to their White counterparts, irrespective of the availability of targeted preventive therapies (ie, vaccinations). Thus, dialogue regarding the utility of vaccines used prophylactically to decrease the number of infectious diseases cases and the historical lack of vaccine equity and uptake across minoritized groups is needed. All of these factors work in concert to increase the burden of AMR and ultimately health disparities within minoritized communities. Herein, we provide historical context pertaining to the impact of structural racism on healthcare inequities in the United States, we explore racial and ethnic disparities in AMR, and we discuss the intersection of racism, AMR, and vaccine equity. Lastly, we offer recommendations to mitigate the described inequities.