Minority Patients Show Lower Rates of Vaccine Hesitancy Compared to White Patients

A recent study finds that minority patients may be less likely than their white counterparts to refuse vaccines, challenging previous narratives about vaccine hesitancy among racial groups. Presented at the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting, this study examined vaccine attitudes within a diverse allergy clinic patient population in Brooklyn, New York.

What’s New?

The study revealed that non-white patients demonstrated lower levels of vaccine hesitancy than white patients, with notable differences across racial groups. Among patients at this Brooklyn clinic, white patients showed the highest rate of vaccine refusal for both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines (17.5%), compared to Hispanic (11.4%), Black (4.9%), and Asian patients (4.76%). The study sample represented a diverse population—37.2% white, 31.6% Hispanic, 18.9% Asian, and 12.1% Black. Additionally, the researchers found that factors such as gender, age, and primary language did not significantly influence vaccine refusal rates, highlighting a particular association between race and vaccine acceptance in this setting.

Why It Matters

Albert Wu, MD, the study’s lead author, underscored the importance of identifying vaccine-hesitant groups to better protect vulnerable populations, including immunocompromised patients who are at greater risk of infections. Mary Lee-Wong, MD, the senior author, noted that a significant portion of vaccine-hesitant patients were influenced by a mistrust of authority. She emphasized that while generalized public health campaigns are helpful, fostering a relationship of trust and partnership with patients can be particularly effective.

The findings suggest that more nuanced, community-specific health messages, rather than broadly applied campaigns, may be essential in improving vaccine acceptance, especially in ethnically diverse communities.