Unless you have been living under a rock, you know that flu (influenza) came fast and furious this year, making it a historically bad flu season. In fact, the number of positive flu cases and hospitalizations has not been this high in more than a decade. But what you probably don’t know is that these rates were highest among Black adults and that people of color were hit the hardest by flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Black adults are more likely to be hospitalized with flu–and are less likely to get vaccinated against flu than White and Asian adults. During most influenza seasons in the past decade, hospitalization rates among Black adults were approximately 2 times higher than among White adults.
So, if flu hits us so hard, why aren’t we getting vaccinated?
In a 2021 national survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) on Black adult perspectives on flu and COVID-19 vaccines, 42% of Black adults did not plan on getting a flu vaccine during the 2020-2021 flu season, and an additional 11% were unsure. Among the main reasons were fears of getting flu from flu vaccine and potential side effects from the vaccine.
There are many reasons for these disparities in severe flu outcomes and disparities in vaccination rates, including lack of access to healthcare and insurance, missed opportunities to vaccinate, mistrust, and safety concerns.
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“We know that there are multiple drivers of these disparities including, but certainly not limited to, unconscious bias, institutional racism, distrust of the healthcare system, and vaccine hesitancy,” said Patricia N. Whitley-Williams, MD, NFID immediate past-president, in a recent NFID blog post. “Despite these hurdles, we must do all we can to drive change.”
Mistrust of vaccines stems directly from historical and ongoing discrimination and racism experienced by Black communities. Vaccine-related mistrust includes distrust of the healthcare system and healthcare professionals (to be equitable), the government (to provide truthful information), and the vaccine itself (to be safe and effective).
But vaccine concerns aside, Black adults and people from certain racial and ethnic minority groups also have higher rates of asthma, diabetes, obesity, and other chronic health conditions, all of which increase their risks for serious flu complications. People with heart disease, for example, are 6X more likely to have a heart attack within 7 days of flu infection.
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The concerns within the Black community are alarming, but valid. And we know you have questions about flu vaccines, and that is okay. Questions like “Is it safe?”, Should I get it?”, or “Should I wait?” Find answers to these questions and more below.
Is it safe?
Flu vaccines are safe. In fact, for more than 50 years, hundreds of millions of people in the US–from diverse backgrounds, races, ethnicities, and geographic areas–have safely received seasonal flu vaccines.
A lot of people think they’ll get flu from a flu vaccine, but the fact is that you can’t.
While it’s true that some people who receive a flu vaccine may feel some discomfort and mild side effects, like a sore arm, this is totally normal. Severe side effects are extremely rare though.
Should I get it?
Yes. Getting a flu vaccine not only protects yourself, but it also helps protect the people around you, including those who are more likely to get seriously sick from flu or those who can’t get vaccinated—like infants less than 6 months old, or people with weakened immune systems.
Should I wait?
No. Flu can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases, can even lead to death. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to reduce your chances of getting flu and spreading it to others.
What if my friends or family won’t get vaccinated?
Everyone has a say on whether to get vaccinated or not, but you also have a say in how you choose to protect yourself and show up for your loved ones. Talk to unvaccinated friends or family members about how serious flu can be.
Confronting a family member or someone you love about their false vaccine beliefs can definitely feel awkward or uncomfortable, but it is important to listen to their questions and concerns and then focus on real-life facts about flu vaccines and the positive impact of vaccination in saving lives and reducing hospitalizations.
Who can I trust?
Talk to a trusted source of information–that means medical experts (like a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or community health provider) and trusted leaders in the Black community (like your faith leaders or members of your church).
How can I show up to fight flu?
Remember, you can’t be there for others if you don’t show up for yourself first. Getting a flu vaccine every year allows you to show up at your best for those who matter most to you. Help keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community protected.
To learn more, visit www.nfid.org/flu
By National Foundation for Infectious Diseases
