Originally published in the Autumn 2021 edition of the Virginia Defender, issue 66, printed October 25. Reproduced here for accessibility and archival purposes. For other stories in this issue or to see the full PDF, see the Autumn 2021 post here. For the full web catalog, see our Full Issues page.

As of Oct. 22, the Virginia Department of Health was reporting that there have been a total of 914,755 cases of COVID-19 in the state. That’s almost one out of every 10 people. This included 38,269 hospitalizations and 13,668 deaths.

Across the state, about two-thirds of all eligible African-Americans and whites have received at least one vaccination shot. Rates are higher among Latino/s, American Indians and Asians.

But in Richmond, African-Americans have the lowest vaccination rate of any racial group – just 45.8 percent, compared to 61.3 percent among whites and higher rates among Latino/s, American Indians and Asians. The rates are similar in Norfolk, Petersburg and Roanoke.

We know there are many reasons why Black folks might be hesitant to take the vaccine, including a general distrust of the healthcare system that has deep historical roots.

But at this point, almost everyone being hospitalized or dying from COVID-19 are people who have not been vaccinated. You may THINK the vaccine could cause you a problem, but you KNOW that COVID-19 can kill you.

Besides, getting the shot isn’t just about you. It helps protect your loved ones, your neighbors, your co-workers and everyone else you come into contact with. Getting the shot is nothing less than an act of love for the people around you. Please think about this.

In Virginia, everyone 12 or older is now eligible to get the vaccine. If you decide to get it, here’s how to find it:

Log onto the website of the Virginia Department of Health at vaccinate.virginia.gov

Call the department at: (877) VAX-IN-VA (877-829-4682). The line operates Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Assistance is available in English, Spanish, and more than 100 additional languages.