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 Building COVID-19 vaccine confidence in Canadians: local medical officers [unpublished report].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.