"Black Is Not Monolithic": Complexities in COVID-19 Vaccine Decision-Making

BackgroundLongstanding inequities in the USA have resulted in the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black Americans. Coupled with medical mistrust, COVID-19 vaccine uptake is lower in Black populations.MethodsWe sought to understand the perspectives of Black parents on the COVID-19 pandemic, COVID-19 vaccination for themselves and their children, and trust with the medical community. Using qualitative methodology, we conducted in-depth semi-structured in-person interviews of Black parents of children admitted to the inpatient pediatric units in our tertiary academic medical center in Connecticut from July to November 2021. We used the grounded theory approach, and the constant comparative method until saturation was reached.ResultsWe interviewed 20 parents who identified as Black; 50% were vaccinated against COVID-19. The following 5 themes and sub-themes emerged: (1) mixed feelings influenced COVID-19 vaccine decision-making ranging from much needed relief and feelings of uncertainty, distrust, and fear; (2) COVID-19 vaccine uptake was influenced by individual and family's health concerns and job or school mandates; (3) deferring the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by the perception of risk and concerns about vaccine integrity; (4) institutional mistrust within the Black community bred by systemic racism influenced vaccine decision-making; and (5) conflicted feelings about the COVID-19 vaccine for their child.ConclusionOur findings reiterate the complexities around vaccine decision-making and underscore the importance of recognizing the pervasive influence of institutional mistrust when counseling Black families about the COVID-19 vaccine.