The Georgia Department of Public Health has created a new COVID-19 Health Equity Council.
The new group is tasked with helping the state public health department increase the effectiveness of its programs statewide, ensure equity in COVID-19 vaccination distribution and administration, and improve outreach and communication within Georgia communities most affected by COVID-19, according to a statement from the state health organization.
Vaccination awareness and education will be the COVID-19 Health Equity Council’s most immediate focus.
The council will work in close partnership with the 18 public health districts in the state to reach communities of color and the state’s most vulnerable populations with the goal of addressing concerns related to the COVID-19 vaccine, according to the statement.
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“The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and its proven to work,” said Department of Public Health Commissioner Kathleen E. Toomey. “We must make sure our most vulnerable populations understand the benefits of the vaccine – for themselves, their families and their communities. The DPH COVID-19 Health Equity Council will inform our efforts and help us reach these individuals with vaccine availability and awareness messages.”
Many of Georgia’s most vulnerable communities have expressed hesitation about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine due to concerns about its safety and efficacy. Research shows nearly half of Black Georgians have stated they do not plan to get vaccinated, but 83% of Black Georgians across all age groups would gain more confidence in the vaccine if they knew it worked safely.
Additionally, 38% of Hispanic Georgians do not plan to receive the vaccine, and 28% have expressed doubt in its efficacy. However, 34% of the Hispanic male Georgians surveyed indicated that clear messaging about vaccine safety would sway them.
The DPH COVID-19 Health Equity Council members currently include public health officials from across the state. The council will be chaired by Valerie Montgomery Rice, a physician and president and dean of the Morehouse University School of Medicine in Atlanta.
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