BridgeDetroit | Why more Detroiters aren’t getting vaccinated: Fear

By Olivia Lewis

An ongoing survey from the University of Michigan has found that almost 30% of the Detroiters who have not received a coronavirus vaccine are concerned about their safety.

That’s troubling for Detroit, which experienced high death rates early on in the pandemic and, a year later, cases are increasing again. Though the city reached a statewide low in coronavirus cases by following social distancing and mask mandates, many refuse to follow vaccine recommendations.

Researchers from U-M are tracking Detroiters’ feelings on coronavirus and the vaccine through an ongoing community study, which has been surveying Detroit residents since 2016. According to the most recent survey findings, Black and Latino Detroiters were more than twice as likely as white Detroiters to be wary of the effectiveness of the vaccine.

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has reported the vaccines are safe, nonexperimental and effective. However, there are minor side effects to all three branded vaccines, including tiredness, chills, nausea and fever. The CDC says these side effects are more likely after the second dose of the vaccine, are only temporary, and should go away after a few days. The Johnson & Johnson vaccine does not require a second dose. Overall, the institution has found the vaccines to be the most effective way to prevent the spread of coronavirus, helping residents protect themselves and others in their communities.

Of those not vaccinated, 22.5 percent said they fear side effects, and 18% said they don’t believe the vaccine to be effective.

The report found only 10% of unvaccinated Detroiters have found news media to be a trusted source of information on the coronavirus vaccine.

Detroit was applauded early on for quickly providing vaccines to thousands of people as soon as vaccines were made available. The City has administered 358,741 doses as of Monday. Of the Detroit residents that were vaccinated by the City, 83.6 percent were Black, 12.5 were white, and 4.6 identified as another race.

For the rest of the story, check out BridgeDetroit’s website.