Panel to discuss COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among underrepresented populations

Purdue University’s Black Cultural Center, Latino Cultural Center and LGBTQ Center are co-sponsoring “We’ve Been Here Before: Addressing Skepticism of the COVID-19 Vaccines in Underrepresented Populations,” a virtual panel discussion set for 7 p.m. ET Wednesday (March 24).

The panelists will discuss the historical and cultural reasons behind vaccine hesitancy and provide reliable information on the COVID-19 vaccines that are now available in the U.S.

This event will be moderated by Nastasha E. Johnson, provost fellow for diversity and inclusion and associate professor of library science. Panelists scheduled to participate are Daniel López-Cevallos, associate professor of Latinx studies, ethnic studies and health equity and assistant vice provost for undergraduate education at Oregon State University; Dr. Charles E. Sanders Jr., who is a Purdue College of Pharmacy alumnus and director of the board of directors at Mount Carmel Health System in Columbus, Ohio; and Becky Good, clinical associate professor and director of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program in Purdue’s School of Nursing.

Renee Thomas, director of the BCC, said the results of a recent survey show that most Boilermakers are eager to receive the COVID-19 vaccine; however, among the respondents who say they do not plan to get the vaccine, the top reasons provided are a mistrust of the vaccine and a perception that the vaccine is unnecessary to the individual. This panel will amplify the voices of people of color to ease fears, build trust and disseminate proper information about the vaccine. 

Registration is free and can be made online.

Writer, media contact: Matthew Oates, 765-586-7496 (cell), oatesw@purdue.edu, @mo_oates
Source: Renee Thomas, rathomas@purdue.edu