A recent study conducted by the University of Georgia has revealed the lingering impact of the infamous Tuskegee Syphilis Study on Black Americans’ willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The study, published in the Journal of Population Economics, sheds light on the disparities in vaccine uptake between Black and white populations, particularly in areas with historical ties to the Tuskegee Study.

Lead author Xiaolong ‘Chris’ Hou, a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health in health policy and management at the UGA College of Public Health, highlighted the concerning findings. Despite the high mortality rate among Black Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, the study found that Black individuals living in counties within 750 miles of Tuskegee were slower to get vaccinated compared to their white counterparts in the same county, as well as other Black communities in different regions of the U.S.

The researchers utilized CDC COVID-19 vaccine tracker data and U.S. census data to analyze the vaccine uptake among Black populations. The disparities in vaccine rates were attributed to the long-standing structural and social barriers that have placed Black Americans at a higher risk for chronic diseases, pre-term birth, and early death. Hou emphasized the need to address the historical injustices perpetrated by health and government authorities, which continue to contribute to the persistent health disparities between Black and white Americans.

The study’s findings underscore the enduring impact of historical events on healthcare behaviors and the importance of addressing the underlying factors that perpetuate disparities in vaccine uptake. By acknowledging the influence of past injustices, public health initiatives can be tailored to effectively address the concerns and hesitancies within marginalized communities, ultimately working towards equitable access to healthcare for all.