
According to Statistics Canada, “Black people in particular have been far more likely to succumb to the virus than members of other groups.” Furthermore, according to a report by the Public Health Agency of Canada, “Vaccine Hesitancy is highest amongst the Black population” with only 34% of Black Canadians stating they would be willing to take the COVID-19 vaccine, in November 2020[1].
The Black Health and Vaccine Initiative aims to provide a holistic community approach to building vaccine confidence and increasing vaccine uptake. To achieve this, the BPAO will: (1) advocate (2) educate, and (3) vaccinate. Each of these activities will be executed in collaboration with hospitals, community health centres, local public health units, and government agencies.
[1] Public Health Agency of Canada. Building COVID-19 vaccine confidence in Canadians: local medical officers [unpublished report]. Virtual presentation given 2020 Dec 18.
ADVOCATE
Prioritize Black Communities:
- Testing, Vaccines & Recovery
- Recognition of impact of ABR and collection of race-based data
EDUCATE
- Respectful and culturally appropriate facts on COVID-19 vaccine
VACCINATE
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Culturally safe environments for vaccination



