State Treasurer Wooden urges Black and Hispanic leaders to take Covid vaccine in public

Connecticut State Treasurer Shawn T. Wooden made a public call for Black and Hispanic leaders in the state to publicly receive the Covid-19 vaccine as a means of mitigating fears in communities of color about its safety.

Wooden cited a recent survey by Langer Research Associates that found only 14% of Blacks and 34% of Hispanics believed the new vaccine would be safe, while 18% of Blacks and 40% of Hispanics believed the vaccine would be effective.

“Our nation”™s history of systemic racism combined with the significant racial health disparities of our current reality, are very concerning for communities of color,” Wooden said. “As an African American, I understand why communities of color are skeptical of taking a Covid-19 vaccine.

“However,” he added, “while understanding these realities, it is also critical to acknowledge the reality that this virus has had a disproportionate and devastating effect on communities of color. This effect includes higher infection rates, hospitalization rates and mortality rates.”

Wooden stated he would take the vaccine on camera as soon as it was made available to him.

“I know I am not alone when I share that I have not been able to hug one of my loved ones in a very long time,” he said. “My 92-year-old mother is a resident of a nursing home in Connecticut, and I long for the moment when I can safely hug her again.

“As fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, grandparents, community leaders and more, it is our responsibility to stay healthy and safe and not let this pandemic further harm our communities. By working together and leading by example, we can reduce the level of mistrust of the vaccine, promote its usage and save lives.”