As the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines is underway around the country, Michigan officials say they will do what they can to help people overcome reluctance to get a shot. Governor Gretchen Whitmer says skepticism in minority communities will be combated with information.
“Of course, in communities of color, the Black community in particular, there is a history and a reason for that skepticism, and we’re cognizant of it, and that’s why we created the Protect Michigan Commission that has a real representation of diversity on it,” Whitmr said.
Michigan Chief Medical Executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun says she’s glad to serve on the Protect Michigan Commission.
“We also are working on developing messaging,” Khaldun said. “So having focus groups with communities of color so we can understand what questions they have, what messages resonate. We’ve got some work to do.”
Khaldun notes the state was able to make progress on reducing racial disparities with COVID toward the beginning of the pandemic.
