The Role of Black Pastors in Disseminating COVID-19 Vaccination Information to Black Communities in South Carolina

DaKysha Moore, Lisa N. Mansfield, Elijah O. Onsomu and Nicole Caviness-Ashe
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DaKysha Moore: Speech Program, John R. and Kathy R. Hairston College of Health and Human Sciences, North Carolina A&T State University, Noble Hall, 1601 East Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27411, USA
Lisa N. Mansfield: Division of General Internal Medicine & Health Services Research, University of California at Los Angeles, 1100 Glendon Ave., Suite 900, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
Elijah O. Onsomu: Division of Nursing, Winston-Salem State University, 601 S. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Winston-Salem, NC 27110, USA
Nicole Caviness-Ashe: Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University, 307 Trent Drive, Durham, NC 27710, USA

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-10

Abstract: COVID-19 vaccination rates have increased since distribution began in December 2020. However, in some states, such as South Carolina, getting people to take the vaccine has been challenging; as of spring 2022, slightly less than 60% of the total population is fully vaccinated. Vaccine hesitancy among Black Americans may be explained by several factors, including lack of confidence in the medical establishment and vaccines in particular. Faith-based leaders, such as pastors, can make a difference. This study explores the communication strategies that pastors in predominantly Black churches use to increase COVID-19 vaccination rates among churchgoers and the surrounding community. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 10 pastors in South Carolina. The main themes that emerged are: (1) using various communication channels to ensure access; (2) representing a trusted source of information; (3) offering a role model for vaccination—leading by example; and (4) strengthening the commitment to health. As the need for COVID-19 vaccination continues, including booster vaccines, pastors can provide accurate information and community outreach to promote the health of Black communities.

Keywords: African Americans; Black churches; communication channels; community; vaccine (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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