By Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
The COVID-19 pandemic has not yet ended throughout and across America. Yes, there has been considerable progress in the wake of increased vaccinations in every region of the United States. But for Black America, the pandemic is still disproportionately negatively impacting the quality of life in our families and communities.
The issue of vaccination hesitancy is serious. That is why the Black Press of America via the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) will continue to be committed to inform Black America and others about the facts and truth concerning COVID-19 and the vaccinations that have been approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA).
Over 60% of the United States’ population has now had at least one vaccination, in particular from, Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson and Johnson as approved by the FDA. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are recommending the Pfizer vaccine for adolescents age 12 to 15 as authorized by the FDA.
Those who are age 16 and older in the U.S. continue to increasingly receive vaccinations to protect themselves from the contagious and deadly COVID-19 virus.
While there remains some public and private debates about vaccinations, these debates should not be based on politics or social status or on racial stereotyping and profiling. The truth and facts about COVID-19 and the effectiveness of the approved vaccinations should not be relegated to partisan disagreement.
Truth does not discriminate. There is no such thing as an “alternative truth.” The absence of truth is a lie. Facts and the science that produces the facts are important to always consider in making decisions about public health issues.
Here are the facts and truth about the kids being vaccinated in the U.S. If you are a parent who wants to protect your child from COVID-19, or if you are a teenager who is interested in getting vaccinated, you can go directly to the official U.S. government website: www.vaccines.gov or you can text your ZIP code to 438829 to find places near you that have the Pfizer vaccine readily available in stock.
Millions of 12-to-17- year-olds have already received at least one COVID-19 vaccination. The Pfizer vaccine has been through rigorous testing and thorough review by the FDA and CDC. Thousands of adolescents ages 12 to 15 were in the clinical trials, and among those who received it, the vaccine was 100% effective at preventing COVID-19.
When a nation puts a priority in protecting its children from harm, dangers and fatal disease, that is a nation that is protecting and ensuring its future health and progress.
Black American and all communities of color must stay alert, informed and committed to protect our children and all children in America from the dreaded COVID-19 virus. We are grateful that the Biden- Harris Administration is stiving to keep its promise to make America safe and healthy.
Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. is NNPA president and CEO.
