Loma Linda University Boosts Black COVID-19 Vaccination in California
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately affected African American communities, with African Americans dying at a rate three times higher than White Americans. Vaccination rates among African Americans have been low, with less than 15% receiving the first dose. Loma Linda University (LLU) School of Pharmacy, in collaboration with African American churches and health agencies, has been working to improve access and promote vaccination in San Bernardino County, California.
LLU's mobile vaccination clinic initiative, held on church grounds, has proven successful. A recent event vaccinated 420 individuals, with 84% being African American. This effort aligns with research suggesting that partnering with African American churches and medical professionals can increase vaccine uptake in African American communities. These churches serve as trusted sources of information and have been integral in achieving racial equity in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. To date, the initiative has vaccinated 1,542 African American individuals and plans to expand efforts to Latino/LatinX communities.
The collaboration between LLU, African American churches, and health agencies has led to a significant increase in African American vaccination rates in San Bernardino County. This successful initiative demonstrates the importance of community engagement and targeted efforts to address health disparities and improve access to COVID-19 vaccines.
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