Immunization tactics, which are much older than vaccine research and development, have been around for centuries. As a means of survival, it was crucial for these various methods of immunization — like exposing healthy individuals to the Variola virus in order to prevent smallpox.

Vaccines came into the immunization scene through a man named Dr. Edward Jenner in the late 18th century who developed a vaccine that combatted smallpox, through micro-dosing/exposing an offset virus of smallpox, called cowpox, to his gardener’s son. He found that this exposure did not let the boy develop smallpox. By introducing a weakened version of the virus into the body, that gives the immune system a chance to recognize the virus and learn how to attack it if ever it enters the body.

Since then, this use of vaccines became the standard for immunization, and through years and years of development, there are tried and trusted vaccines that helped eradicate and control many destructive viruses. Despite proven medical effectiveness, there is always going to be a negative and untrustworthy sentiment surrounding the safety and long-term effects that vaccines have. 

Vaccine mistrust was always present since their appearance, but one notable area of that mistrust stemmed from the introduction of the COVID-19 vaccines from various pharmaceutical companies. Vaccines are mainly distributed to the general public through healthcare providers who are all tied to the broader healthcare system. Institutional mistrust in the healthcare industry is not uncommon, especially when it comes to minority groups. 

When it comes to the healthcare system, there is a past and active history of racism/discrimination to health access, lack of research, unethical practice and experimentation among Black communities, and general inequities. Vaccine hesitancy is bound to happen. It is difficult to expect communities to have faith in a solution when it comes from a flawed system that does not cater to them. 

Even if people in these communities do not experience this hesitancy due to their trust in health sciences and other factors, socio-political and geographic factors can and do still limit certain racial and ethnic minority groups. It is important to stay educated and make sure that misinformation surrounding vaccines and their long-term effects are not misrepresented and misinterpreted. 

The delegation of proper education and information starts with the power to distribute that information and the broader access to it. When people in positions of informational power perpetuate fear around trusted forms of treatment, fear takes a toll on decision-making. When combatting barriers, remind yourself that you have the power to control the narrative through voting and doing proper research on choosing elected officials who align themselves with equal access to healthcare. 

Representative Herb Conaway recently spoke to National Minority Quality Forum correspondent Kari Fulton during the 55th Annual Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) about healthcare disparities, public health, and voting. During this interview, Rep. Conaway highlighted and criticized the current administration’s positioning on vaccines, calling them unscientific and harmful to children. He urges fellow officials to inform the public and encourages parents to follow evidence-based guidance from their physicians. As January 2027 approaches, he emphasizes working on a personal, fundamental, and institutional level to provide equal healthcare access through local community education, awareness, and support.