BLACK SCIENTISTS' TASK FORCE ON VACCINE EQUITY

Black male and female couple

BLACK SCIENTISTS'

TASK FORCE ON VACCINE EQUITY

The Black Scientists' Task Force on Vaccine Equity (BSTF) was formed in December 2020. The Task Force consists of a team of physicians, specialists, public health and research consultants, immunologists, scientific regulators, mental health experts, and naturopathic physicians. This multidisciplinary team of Black experts was created to share information about COVID-19 and vaccines with the Black Toronto communities and to address their concerns about COVID-19-related issues. Through community, organization, government, health and medical professionals, and academics, the Task Force aimed to promote the Black Canadian community's well-being and health. The goal was to mitigate health disparities and health inequities faced by Black communities in Canada through a tailored response.

 

In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents

THE SCIENCE

OF THE VACCINE

COVID-19 vaccines were created to protect against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus is responsible for COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019).

 

The first COVID-19 vaccines were approved for the public in 2020. Initially, most vaccines were two doses, except for the single-dose version of Janssen. However, due to the nature of the vaccine, its effectiveness eventually wanes, and people need to get additional doses to maintain their immunity.

 

The success of the COVID-19 vaccines has been attributed to their ability to reduce the severity and spread of the disease. In June 2022, a study revealed that the vaccines prevented about 14.4 to 19.8 million deaths in various countries from December 8, 2020, to December 8, 2021. Most countries that implemented a phased distribution system for the vaccines prioritized those at high risk of experiencing complications, such as the elderly and healthcare workers.

 

As of October 2022, there are 47 approved vaccines for COVID-19, with 201 countries that have approved vaccines. 68.2% of the world's population have received at least one vaccine dose, with 12.79 billion doses have been administered globally and 4.2 million doses being administered daily.

 

In Canada, Health Canada has approved and authorized 6 vaccines that have been determined to be safe and effective. The 6 vaccines are AstraZeneca Vaxzevria, Janssen Jcovden (Johnson & Johnson), Medicago Covifenz, Moderna Spikevax, Novavax Nuvaxovid, and Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty.

 

All vaccines go through a priority approval process with Health Canada. The process is rigorous, with approval decisions based on scientific and medical evidence showing that vaccines are safe and effective for the public.

 

Vaccines are one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. There is a lot of evidence that COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19.

 

Find more information about vaccines for COVID-19 on the "Myths & Facts" and "Risks & Resource" page.

 

References:  Our COVID-19 information on vaccination was last updated on October 11, 2022.

Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2

THE VACCINES PREVENTED ABOUT 14.4 TO 19.8 MILLION DEATHS IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

DATA

The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed long-standing, systemic health inequities related to poverty, racism, marginalization, and other forms of discrimination faced daily by Black communities. These health and social inequities have created the conditions for the COVID-19 pandemic to disproportionately impact Black people and other people of colour.

 

In July 2020, Black people and other racialized groups accounted for 83% of reported COVID-19 cases in Toronto, with Black populations reporting 21% of the cases, though only making up 9% of Toronto's overall population.

 

By August 2020, in Toronto, the infection rate for black people is over 2,400 per 100,000 individuals, which is three times higher than that of white people. Racialized Torontonians make up 77% of the city's COVID-19 cases and 79% of hospitalizations. During the first pandemic wave, Black communities were the most severely hit. According to Public Health, COVID-19 cases peaked in August 2020.

 

Within Toronto, the 5 communities hit the hardest by COVID-19 were Rexdale, Black Creek, Lawrence Heights, Weston-Mount Dennis, and Malvern. The majority of COVID-19 cases in the city were concentrated in lower-income communities that are racialized and have fewer options for self-isolate. These areas also experienced a steep increase in the number of people who could not get sick leave. Even though the lockdown measures could bring the virus under control in some parts of the city, the situation in these neighbourhoods remained incredibly challenging.

 

IN JULY 2020,

BLACK POPULATIONS IN TORONTO ACCOUNTED FOR

21% OF REPORTED COVID-19 CASES

BLACK SCIENTISTS' TASK FORCE MEMBERS

The Black Scientists' Taskforce comprises a multi-disciplinary team consisting of physicians, specialists, public health and research consultants, immunologists, scientific regulators, mental health experts, and naturopathic physicians.

Celina Caesar - Chavannes

Francis Jeffers

Juannittah Kamera

Dr. Akwatu Khenti

Liben Gebremikael

Dr. Isaac Odame

Dionne St. Clair

Dr. Onye Nnorom

Dr. Kwame McKenzie

Dr. Na-Koshie Lamptey

Trevor Aldridge, B.Sc

Dr. Zainab Abdurrahman

Dr. Upton Allen

Dr. David Burt

Dr. Candice Todd

Nicole Welch

Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo
TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Facebook Logo Instagram logo Twitter Logo LinkedIn logo You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo
TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
City of Toronto Logo Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Facebook Logo Instagram logo Twitter Logo LinkedIn logo You Tube Logo
TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
City of Toronto Logo Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Twitter Logo You Tube Logo
TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Twitter Logo LinkedIn logo You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Facebook Logo Instagram logo Twitter Logo LinkedIn logo You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Facebook Logo Instagram logo
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
You Tube Logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Facebook Logo Instagram logo You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Facebook Logo Instagram logo Twitter Logo LinkedIn logo
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo Facebook Logo Instagram logo Twitter Logo LinkedIn logo You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo You Tube Logo
City of Toronto Logo TAIBU Community Health Centre logo
Black male and female couple
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black male scientist looking into microscope
Magnified microscope image of SARS-CoV-2
In the background: a black woman in between her elderly parents
Black Physicians’ Association of Ontario Logo
City of Toronto Logo