Faith and Fear: How Religion Shaped Vaccine Choices in Older African Americans

During the COVID-19 pandemic, older African Americans faced higher rates of severe illness and death. Yet, not enough attention was given to why some of them hesitated to get vaccinated. Religion plays a big role in the lives of many older African Americans, often guiding their health choices. A study looked into this by talking to 22 older African Americans who were hesitant about the COVID-19 vaccine. They used a method called Religious Coping Theory to understand how faith influenced these decisions. The interviews revealed three main themes: "I Have Not Been Led, " "God's Medicine, " and "The Pandemic is Divine Punishment. " Some people felt they hadn't been spiritually guided to get the vaccine. Others believed in divine healing and saw no need for medical intervention. A few even thought the pandemic was a form of divine retribution. These beliefs show how deeply faith can impact health decisions, even when medical experts recommend vaccination. The study suggests that to overcome some vaccine hesitancy, it might help to work with religious leaders. Providing accurate information about the vaccine could also make a difference. Understanding these beliefs is crucial for addressing health disparities in the future.