College gets $ 4.1 million to understand how to join a community hit by the COVID vaccine – Orange County Register

600 poor black men Adopted for syphilis experiment We promise free medical care. However, they did not receive simple antibiotic treatment that could have cured them. Instead, the real intention of the government was to track the complete, uninterrupted progression of venereal disease, even if the man was blind, angry, or died.

Native Americans, who worked with researchers investigating type 2 diabetes, were stunned to find out. Their DNA was used in several other genetic studies Without their consent.

Also, in some Latin communities, increased deportation, political demonization, and lack of accurate Spanish information have increased distrust of the government and are skeptical of official efforts to maintain people’s health. The view is getting stronger.

The communities most hit by the coronavirus pandemic have historical reasons to be wary of large government ones, especially those related to healthcare. This poses a formidable dilemma for public health officials who are eager to reach and earn their trust as the pandemic peaks and the largest mass vaccination campaign ever unfolds.

“Suspicious reason”

“There are many groups with suspicious reasons,” he said. Health Disparity Research Center, University of California, Riverside.. “We are trying to understand how people collect information, develop attitudes, understand illness, and test, willingness to test, and vaccines. Where do they get the information? Who do they trust? What strategies can be used to provide them with accurate information and change acceptance and uptake? “

Investigators from 11 California campuses $ 4.1 million from the National Institutes of Health To elicit the best way to engage those who have been hit — it can vary from individual community to individual community. UCLA will lead an initiative called the COVID-19 California Alliance or STOP COVID-19CA, which includes researchers from UC Davis, UC Irvine, UC Merced, UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC San Francisco, USC, and Stanford University. Scripps Research and San Diego State University.

In an infectious disease expert and vice president of health at the University of California, Carrie L. Byinton said in a prepared statement, “We are a community where living experiences may make them skeptical. We must win the trust of the university. ” “We need to be willing to listen and address concerns with respect through understanding, transparency and lasting action. The STOP COVID-19 initiative combines interdisciplinary collaboration with community involvement. And build the essential connections to end the pandemic of everyone. “

Focus groups identify barriers

In Los Angeles, Riverside, and elsewhere, investigators have organized “detailed virtual focus groups” with multi-ethnic communities to identify barriers and challenges. Another project assesses the racial and ethnic attitudes of high-risk veterans who may be skeptical of vaccines. The lessons learned can be used throughout the state and throughout the country.

In parallel, a community-based study is being put together, said Lo of UCR. Where can I get health information? doctor? Faith leader? School official? neighbor? the Internet? Are Spanish newspapers considered authoritative? What is the best way to reach people — radio? Pamphlet? Virtual neighborhood meeting? And what exactly are your concerns about vaccination? Is it safe? effect? False rumors that vaccination “changes” their DNA?

“The answers to these questions mean that each community is different in who they ask for help,” Lo said. Instead of saying, “Here’s a list of answers,” you need to know all of this so that you can be directly involved and addressed in their concerns. “”

The first findings will be revealed in the coming months, but the effort will bring long-term usefulness and enhance the cultural competence of medical students and doctors.

Black distrust of vaccines

Recently Survey by Kaiser Family Foundation The desire to get the COVID-19 vaccine has increased, but it has been found to remain significantly lower in the black community. Thirty-five percent of black respondents said they would definitely or probably not get the vaccine, compared to 26% of Hispanic and white respondents.

Among all hesitant, the main reasons are concerns about possible side effects (59%), lack of trust in the government to ensure safety and efficacy (55%), and new vaccines. Concerns about overdoing (53%) and concerns about the role of politics in the development process (51%).

Approximately half of black adults who probably or definitely do not get vaccinated are worried that they generally do not trust the vaccine (47%) or that they will get COVID-19 from the vaccine. Yes (50%).

“The (M) message to combat certain types of false information may be particularly important to increase the reliability of this group of vaccines,” Kaiser said.

Latin Americans make up 39% of California’s population, but account for more than 56% of COVID cases and nearly 48% of deaths. Blacks make up 6% of California’s population, 4% of cases and 7% of deaths. According to the State Department..