- 19
- SEP
COVID19, Mistrust and Making a decision about the Vaccine.
COVID 19 has changed our lives and we all an not wait for a return to something that resembles our past lives. At the time of this post we approach 200,000 lives lost to the virus with predictions of many more deaths to come in the US. Worldwide we have 30 million cases and approach 1 million deaths. Most of us have been touched with the loss of a loved one or someone who has fallen to this disease. Each day as the pandemic continues brings us all closer to the possibility of contracting the infection. Black and Brown people because of many reasons continue to be at high risk and on the front lines of the disease. As talk of a vaccine become more realistic front line workers and people of color have the most to gain but are the least to participate in studies and to take the vaccine when available. There are many reasons for this including mistrust and the politicization of the vaccine not to mention management of the pandemic overall. More than anything, we need accurate and trustworthy sources for information as we make informed decisions about the COVID19 vaccine. Attached here are (2) you tube videos of a recent town hall with information from historically black health care institutions and those familiar with the methodology to developing effective and safe vaccines. After viewing them I believe you will be better informed on what you need to do to stay healthy.
I have looked in the face and had long discussions in my office about the vaccine and continue to believe that we need to be involved in the trials and when there is a safe vaccine we need to strongly consider taking it.