key: cord-1020731-vz2na8yz authors: Newman, Lisa A.; Campbell, Andre title: Statement from the American College of Surgeons on COVID-19 Vaccination for the Diverse US Population date: 2021-02-04 journal: J Am Coll Surg DOI: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2021.01.010 sha: 9212f956cae7a4b8d19c662a922314fa5ac65707 doc_id: 1020731 cord_uid: vz2na8yz nan The American College of Surgeons acknowledges the fact that severity of the COVID-19 pandemic has been disproportionately devastating to communities of color, including minority population subsets such as African Americans, Hispanic/Latinos, and Indigenous/Native Americans 1,2,3 . The explanation for this disparity is multifactorial and involves socioeconomic factors related to viral exposure because of minorities accounting disproportionately for the essential employee workforce; minorities disproportionately utilizing public transportation; and patterns of residential segregation that result in minorities having reduced access to social distancing-compliant housing environments 4, 5 . Compounding these issues, the COVID economic recession has also affected minorities disproportionately 6 ; these communities have experienced larger-magnitude unemployment rates and loss of employee-based health insurance compared to White Americans. The full spectrum of impaired social determinants of health resulting in an excess burden of chronic health conditions among communities of color also contribute to their COVID morbidity. The American College of Surgeons recommends that surgeons play an active role in promoting COVID vaccination programs for our entire diverse patient population. We furthermore encourage our members to participate in activities that will expand awareness of vaccination safety and vaccination access among our patients belonging to minority race/ethnicities. Examples of such activities include the following: • Be a role model and communicate freely regarding your personal vaccination experience during in-person interactions as well as via social media. • Many patient advocacy and community outreach groups are specifically organized to serve minority population subsets, such as those that provide screening for cancer, diabetes, and hypertension. Leverage relationships with these networks to disseminate information regarding safety of vaccination and the fact that its development was spearheaded by a diverse group of scientists, such as African American virologist Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett. • Share information regarding vaccination safety with community-based organizations, civic associations and churches that have robust minority memberships. • Encourage your hospital leadership to develop vaccination outreach programs that will reach minority communities. • Encourage your hospital leadership to utilize culturally-and linguistically-appropriate messages regarding how to access vaccination programs • Encourage your hospital leadership to promote vaccination awareness and access among diverse personnel. Strengthened ties between surgeons and our diverse patient population with regard to COVID vaccination represent a powerful strategy in curbing the pandemic and these improved community relations will serve as a foundation for achieving overall health equity in the future. J o u r n a l P r e -p r o o f Disparities in Incidence of COVID-19 Among Underrepresented Racial/Ethnic Groups in Counties Identified as Hotspots During COVID-19 Mortality Among American Indian and Alaska Native Persons -14 States COVID-19 And Racial/Ethnic Disparities In Health Risk, Employment, And Household Composition Especially in the Era of COVID-19: How Poverty and Race Converge to Reduce Access to Quality Housing, Safe Neighborhoods, and Health and Wellness Services and Increase the Risk of Co-morbidities Associated with Global Pandemics The growing problem of pharmacy deserts Correlates and disparities of intention to vaccinate against COVID-19