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COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and Vaccine Hesitancy among Black People in Canada

Author

Listed:
  • Aisha Giwa

    (College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

  • Morolake Adeagbo

    (College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

  • Shirley Anne Tate

    (Department of Sociology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada)

  • Mia Tulli-Shah

    (College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

  • Bukola Salami

    (College of Health Sciences, School of Public Health University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1C9, Canada)

Abstract

Objectives: COVID-19 vaccine mandates increased vaccination rates globally. Implemented as a one-size-fits-all policy, these mandates have unintended harmful consequences for many, including Black Canadians. This article reports findings on the interconnectedness of vaccine mandates and vaccine hesitancy by describing a range of responses to mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policies among Black people in Canada. Methods: Using qualitative research methods, semi-structured interviews with 36 Black people living in Canada aged 18 years and over across 6 provinces in Canada were conducted. Participants were selected across intersectional categories including migration status, income, religion, education, sex, and Black ethnicity. Thematic analysis informed the identification of key themes using Foucauldian notions of biopower and governmentality. Results: Our results show how the power relations present in the ways many Black people actualize vaccine intentions. Two main themes were identified: acceptance of the COVID-19 vaccine in the context of governmentality and resistance to vaccine mandates driven by oppression, mistrust, and religion. Conclusion: COVID-19 vaccine mandates may have reinforced mistrust of the government and decreased confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine. Policy makers need to consider non-discriminatory public health policies and monitor how these policies are implemented over time and across multiple sectors to better understand vaccine hesitancy.

Suggested Citation

  • Aisha Giwa & Morolake Adeagbo & Shirley Anne Tate & Mia Tulli-Shah & Bukola Salami, 2023. "COVID-19 Vaccine Mandates and Vaccine Hesitancy among Black People in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(23), pages 1-12, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:23:p:7119-:d:1289785
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Janet Kemei & Mia Tulli & Adedoyin Olanlesi-Aliu & Modupe Tunde-Byass & Bukola Salami, 2023. "Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Black Communities in Canada," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(2), pages 1-16, January.
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