The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the forefront existing health disparities in the US, with Black communities experiencing higher rates of infection and mortality. While vaccine availability has increased, hesitancy remains a challenge, particularly among Black women. A qualitative study by Slatton et al. (2025) published by JAMA Network Open investigated the factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black women in the US, providing valuable insights for healthcare practitioners (HCPs) to address this critical public health concern.
Study Overview
Slatton et al. (2025) conducted in-depth interviews with 54 Black women across the US to understand their perspectives on COVID-19 vaccination. The study revealed three primary themes associated with vaccine hesitancy:
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Mistrust in healthcare and government: Participants expressed deep-rooted skepticism from historical medical exploitation, fears about the rapid vaccine development process, and frustration with inadequate and coercive vaccine messaging.
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Concerns over vaccine safety and long-term effects: Participants voiced concerns about immediate adverse effects and long-term impacts of the COVID-19 vaccine, particularly regarding reproductive health.
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Ineffective and coercive vaccine communication and promotion: Participants criticized the lack of clear information, inconsistent messaging, and coercive tactics like financial incentives and celebrity endorsements used in vaccine promotion.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
The findings of this study have significant implications for HCPs and public health officials. “Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black women requires a multifaceted approach,” the authors write, entailing:
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Acknowledges historical traumas: HCPs need to recognize and address the historical context of medical mistrust. Engaging in open conversations about past injustices and acknowledging their impact on current perceptions is crucial for building trust.
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Provides clear and transparent safety information: HCPs should provide clear and accessible information about vaccine development, safety, and potential side effects. Addressing specific concerns, such as those related to reproductive health, is essential.
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Avoids coercive vaccine promotion strategies: Coercive tactics like financial incentives and celebrity endorsements can be counterproductive and erode trust. Instead, HCPs should focus on providing factual information and engaging in respectful dialogue.
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Develops culturally respectful promotion strategies: Communication strategies should be tailored to Black women’s specific concerns and needs. This includes engaging trusted community leaders and leveraging personal stories to counter misinformation and build trust.
Implications for Healthcare Practitioners
HCPs play a critical role in addressing vaccine hesitancy among Black women. They should:
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Prioritize trust-building: Building rapport and trust with Black women is essential. This involves active listening, empathy, and acknowledging their concerns.
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Engage in culturally competent communication: HCPs need to be aware of the cultural context and historical experiences that shape Black women’s perspectives on healthcare.
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Provide tailored information: HCPs should provide information that is relevant to Black women’s specific concerns, such as those related to reproductive health and long-term effects.
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Avoid judgment and coercion: HCPs should create a safe space for Black women to express their concerns without feeling judged or pressured.
Conclusion
Addressing COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Black women requires a shift in how healthcare systems and public health initiatives engage with this population. HCPs have a crucial role to play in building trust, providing tailored information, and engaging in culturally competent communication. By acknowledging historical traumas, addressing specific concerns, and avoiding coercive tactics, HCPs can help improve vaccine confidence and uptake among Black women, contributing to a more equitable and effective public health response.
References
Slatton, B. C., Cambrice, F. G., & Omowale, S. S. (2025). COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Among Black Women in the US. JAMA Network Open, 8(1), e2453511.