MICEAL Black and Latinx Perspectives on COVID-19 Vaccination: A Mixed-Methods Examination

Objectives To describe the differences and similarities in perceptions and attitudes regarding COVID-19 vaccination among Black and Latinx Michiganders. Methods Utilizing a convergent mixed-methods approach, forty interviews were conducted with 24 Black and 16 Latinx community members between December 2020 and June 2021 across four Michigan counties disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Survey data were collected from a representative sample of 1598 individuals living in Detroit between January and March 2021. Results Vaccine hesitancy was a more prevalent theme among Black interview participants than Latinx participants. Trust in experts and vaccine access were significantly more influential in the decision to vaccinate for Latinx residents compared to Black residents. Latinx individuals reported greater intention to receive a COVID-19 vaccine compared to Black respondents. Multinomial logit models revealed that 30% of Black participants expressed hesitancy about the COVID-19 vaccine compared to 10% of Latinx respondents. Conclusions and Implications This study provides a deeper understanding of key differences and similarities in vaccine acceptance/hesitancy across race/ethnicity. The findings can enhance health interventions and outcomes by informing the development of culturally responsive practices tailored to specific communities.