Building Trust: The Perspectives of COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts among African American Community Health Workers in HHS Region 4

Authors: Cicily A Gray, Mary Ann Bodine Al-Sharif, Latesha Elopre, Omar T Sims, Sirry Alang

This study looked at how African American community health workers viewed COVID-19 vaccination efforts in the southern United States. It found that fair and inclusive vaccination programs helped build trust in public health and government, even during political and religious tensions. Community health workers trusted information from the CDC, which supported vaccine acceptance. Churches also played a key role as trusted spaces for sharing information and offering vaccinations. The study shows that community-based approaches and trusted local institutions are vital for improving public health efforts.