When COVID-19 Hit the Scene
Where were you when you first heard about this new virus in January 2020? Many of us were taken by surprise when the SARS -CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) was elevated to pandemic status. We were ill prepared to have our lives turned upside down. Isolation, masks, hand sanitizer, as well as severe illness, death, and loss, consumed our lives. We weren’t surprised when it was reported that Black and Brown people were dying disproportionately. This was true even in a healthy state like Colorado. We saw frontline workers – bus drivers, postal carriers, food services workers, and more, working to help others while their lives were disregarded. We saw the hospital systems overwhelmed. No one was certain that the world would survive this pandemic. Despite the death and destruction right before our eyes, many myths and misinformation were circulating.
Along Came the Vaccine
What do you mean? There is a vaccine! Yes, in December 2020 the first vaccines received emergency use authorization. Decades of prior research can be credited for the rapid development of COVID-19 vaccines. These vaccines could slow the deaths and give us hope that the PANDEMIC would end. By this time the early myth that Blacks couldn’t get COVID-19 had been busted wide open.
However, past injustices by the medical system made it difficult for some of our people to feel comfortable getting the vaccine. These folks were called “hesitant”.
Still others in our community wanted a vaccine but could not get to the front of the line. We had people contacting our office wondering where and when they could get a vaccine. Money and power continued to dictate who would be at the front of the line. These COVID-19 vaccines had a significant impact on COVID-19 deaths. No longer were hospitals overflowing and filling their parking lots with dead people. Severe illness and hospitalizations were also reduced. We can relax now, right?
COVID is Not Over
Absolutely not. Please do not let your guard down. COVID left a devastating trail of mental, physical, and social issues. COVID is not over! The pandemic has ended, but COVID-19 continues to be with us. This virus like many viruses, continues to mutate – change. That is why new versions of the vaccine have to be developed periodically.
In September 2023 the CDC recommended updated mRNA vaccines Moderna and Pfizer. The Novavax update is available as well. These vaccines are considered safe and effective. They can help prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death. If you have any questions consult your doctor. Get the new COVID-19 vaccine as soon as you can. Vaccinate to elevate. Elevate your health and well-being. Do it for you, do it for our community.
For more information go to the Colorado Black Health Collaborative COVID website:
flowdenver.org
Colorado Black Health Collaborative