We spoke with everyday Chicagoans in two neighborhoods with vaccination rates significantly lower than the city’s average.
By Daniel Corral, Daniela Jaime, Eric Cox and Jonathan Wilson
Photo: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Unsplash
Nearly a year after a COVID-19 vaccine was first introduced to the public, almost 70% of Chicago residents ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
However, recent statistics reveal vaccination rates in several of Chicago’s low-income, predominantly Black communities on the South and West Sides are lagging behind other areas of the city significantly.
Based on the latest data collected by the city of Chicago, in 60621, the ZIP code where Englewood is located, just 48% of residents ages 12 and up are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. In 60644, the ZIP code where South Austin is situated, that number is 52%. These rates are drastically lower than that of ZIP codes containing higher income neighborhoods such as River North and the West Loop, where the majority of residents (83% and 86%) are fully-vaccinated.
This fall, City Bureau is working to uncover reasons why these stark inoculation inequities exist. A team of four reporters visited two of the city’s least-vaccinated ZIP codes—one on the South Side and one on the West Side—to speak with residents.
60621 — ENGLEWOOD
In the South Side Chicago neighborhood of Englewood, 94.6% of residents identify as Black. The neighborhood’s median household income is $22,127, less than half the city average of $58,247.
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We spoke with Travell Moffett, 18, near Kennedy King College. He says he has gotten a COVID-19 vaccine.
Why did you get vaccinated?
My grandmother had it. She was in the hospital, but she was able to beat it. I believe [in COVID-19] It can’t just be made up and all these people are getting sick and dying. It’s real enough to take all of these lives.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
[COVID-19 information] is everywhere. I feel like there’s no excuse to not know what’s going on. Our people don’t really care about stuff like that [health care], so I’m not really surprised about it because it’s been like this.
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We spoke with Nneka Powell, 22, near Aldi on W. 63rd St. She says she does not plan to take the COVID-19 vaccine in the near future.
Why did you decide not to get vaccinated?
If I’m being honest, I just really don’t want to do it. I’m really not too sure about it. When I got vaccines in the past, like the flu vaccine, they always made me sick. Throwing up, really bad headaches, high fever. All these other vaccines have been out for so many years. I want to give it some time and see how it goes.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
Most people in this area have their reasons. Everybody has their own opinion. People do what they want to do at the end of the day.
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We spoke with Shawn Abrams, who is in her 50s, outside Whole Foods Market on W. 63rd St. She says she is not vaccinated.
Why did you decide not to get vaccinated?
If you have a job that requires [the vaccine], I understand that. It’s just a part of protocol, but I’m on disability. I’m not working, so I have a choice. I’m not sick though [and can’t] give it to someone, you know? I’m not having any problems with it.
Several predominantly Black communities on Chicago’s South and West Sides have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
I think it was designed, like many things that was put out here some time ago [on purpose]. And I understand why. For one, we’re overpopulated; you have to make room. The elders will go first. I mean, where are the dead bodies gonna go pretty much. That’s the only way you make a vaccine. You have to put it out there and use people as guinea pigs [for] testing.
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We spoke with Emmanuel Beauford near Aldi on W. 63rd St. He says he plans to get a COVID-19 vaccination, but has not gotten it yet.
Why didn’t you get vaccinated when it first became available?
I was hesitant because I heard people talk about the side effects. I already don’t like needles, but I have no problem with the vaccine. I have no problem with getting it—I just hate shots. I work for the city of Chicago, so since I’m a city employee, it’s going to be mandated by (Mayor) Lightfoot. I just don’t like shots.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
Sometimes when you’re struggling, and it’s hard for you to make ends meet, there’s just some things you unfortunately don’t care about.
60644 — SOUTH AUSTIN
Ninety-three percent of residents in South Austin—the largest section of Austin on the West Side—are Black. Like in Englewood, the neighborhood’s median household income is less than half of the city’s average of $58,247, amounting to $26,299.
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We talked to Tia Muhammad, 49, near Austin Blvd and Chicago Ave. She says she has gotten a COVID-19 vaccination.
Why did you get vaccinated?
Simple, because I want to get back to how things were.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
I’ve heard a whole bunch of craziness when it comes to getting this shot. “The vaccine’s a fake, the government’s tracking you,” everything. People don’t trust the vaccine, but if you trust the vaccine for the flu, why not get vaccinated for COVID?
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We spoke with Linda Williams, 30, outside of Family Altar E.B. Church. She says she has not yet gotten a COVID-19 vaccine.
Why didn’t you get vaccinated when it first became available?
It (the vaccine) was too rushed. I don’t think the government did a good job testing the vaccine, so I’m going to wait and see how safe they are.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
I don’t know, but everybody has to make the choice for themselves.
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We talked to Eddie White, 62, who works in South Austin as the manager of Sankofa Cultural Arts Center. He says he has gotten a COVID-19 vaccine.
Why did you get vaccinated?
I contracted COVID-19 in March 2020. I was in the hospital for 6 weeks, I was on a ventilator. They had to put it in my throat. I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
They don’t believe in it. They think they can’t get it, but it doesn’t discriminate against anyone. I’ve been trying to tell people, the virus is real. You’ve got to take it serious.
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We spoke with Bishop Jennie Petties, 85, who is the pastor of Family Altar E.B. Church in South Austin. He says he has gotten a COVID-19 vaccine.
Why did you get vaccinated?
It’s better to have it and not need it, then need it and not have it. We’re constantly telling the community, “You might feel like you don’t need it, but take it anyway.
Several predominantly Black communities in Chicago have far lower vaccine rates than other areas of the city. Why do you think that is?
We have such split minds, and a lot of it has nothing to do with the vaccine. It’s our personal thoughts about each other, we’re fighting one another instead of fighting the problem.
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