April is National Minority Health Month

April is National Minority Health Month, and this year, the HHS Office of Minority Health (OMH) is focusing on the disproportionate impact the COVID-19 pandemic is having on racial and ethnic minority and American Indian and Alaska Native communities and underscore the need for these vulnerable communities to get vaccinated as more vaccines become available. COVID-19 vaccination is an important tool to help us get back to normal, and to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to bring this pandemic to an end.

This year’s theme for National Minority Health Month is #VaccineReady. The focus will be to empower communities to:

• Get the facts about COVID-19 vaccines.
• Share accurate vaccine information.
• Participate in clinical trials.
• Get vaccinated when the time comes.
• Practice COVID-19 safety measures.

As more vaccines become available, there are steps communities can take to protect themselves until they can get vaccinated. Be sure to:

• Wear a mask to protect yourself and others and stop the spread of COVID-19.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arm lengths) from others who don’t live with you.
• Avoid crowds. The more people you are in contact with, the more likely you are to be exposed to COVID-19.

You can keep up to date on National Minority Health Month news and activities by signing up for OMH email updates or by following us on Twitter , Facebook , and Instagram .