# Racial (In)Equity in South Los Angeles—Community Centered Experiences with COVID-19 Syndemics

## TL;DR

This study explores how Black and Latina/o/x communities in South Los Angeles experienced challenges with accessing and trusting the COVID-19 vaccine.

## Contribution

The study provides community-centered insights into vaccine equity and highlights the role of trust and misinformation in shaping vaccination decisions.

## Key findings

- Medical mistrust and misinformation were key barriers to vaccine uptake in these communities.
- Participants emphasized the need for tailored information and trust-building to improve health decisions.
- Investment in diversity and equity initiatives is critical for supporting vulnerable communities during pandemics.

## Abstract

To analyze community experiences involving COVID-19 vaccination access and equity in Black and Latina/o/x communities within South Los Angeles, using a socioecological framework.

We conducted four virtual focus groups (n = 33 total participants) in 2021, with Black and Latina/o/x community members, community leaders, and community-based providers in South Los Angeles, a region highly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We used a grounded theory approach to guide the analysis and generate data shaped by participant perspectives.

Participants across groups consistently emphasized medical mistrust, fear/skepticism, misinformation, accessibility, and feelings of pressure and blame as factors influencing COVID-19 vaccination decisions. The need to address pandemic-related socioeconomic hardships in underresourced communities was equally highlighted.

Findings show that building trust, providing tailored information, and continued investment into diversity and equity initiatives can support Black and Latino/a/x communities in making informed health decisions. Community-centered support services should address the economic, social, and structural impact of the pandemic on vulnerable communities. Furthermore, public health and policy efforts must prioritize funding to equip social and health care systems with infrastructure investment in racial and ethnic minority communities.