On Tuesday, January 12, at 5:44 CST, I received the second of two Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines at Rush University Medical Center where I work as a clinical psychologist.
While I tend to limit the amount of personal information I post on social media, I posted a picture, a face shield and all, getting my first injection . If you are on social media I encourage you to do the same, if or when you can get it.
Today, as I write this, there are over 104 million cases and 2.2 million deaths worldwide as a result of the pandemic. In more ways than one, the last year has been devastating for medical professionals who have lost their jobs, worked tirelessly, and seen chronic illness and death. In some states, medical workers make up as much as 20% of those with COVID. As medical professionals, we know COVID-19 is real, because we are seeing the effects for itself. Unfortunately, we also hear stories from those who do not believe that COVID-19 is real.
While social media can destroy the content of American society in some ways, we can still use it for good. Medical professionals now have a unique opportunity to turn the tide, and flood social media with accurate medical information about COVID-19, as well as publicly share that we are getting the vaccine to normalize and reduce stigma.
Unfounded conspiracy allegations about the COVID-19 vaccine are suddenly running out of social media. The Lancet they reviewed a report by the Center for Combating Digital Hate, revealing that 31 million people are following anti-vaccine groups on Facebook. These conspiracy theories and deceptive news are frightening, and to be honest, quite frightening given how deadly COVID-19 has been and still is.
This year we should be filled with hope and joy, not fear, because of the unprecedented pace at which this vaccine has been developed and is now available.
We need to counter this fear and the stigma that follows, and get vaccinated routinely. Many public figures (including Anthony Fauci, MD, and President Joe Biden) do just that: display videos, photos, and tweets of themselves getting vaccinated.
However, some Americans may be skeptical about the vaccine, and rightly so.
COVID-19 illness and death are having a devastating impact on Black communities. However, despite these alarming numbers, Black Americans are reluctant to get vaccinated. This should come as no surprise to us in the medical field. Black Americans, and people of color, have good reason to be skeptical because of a long history of racism, violence, and abuse of power and welfare by some in the medical community. That’s why many public leaders who identify as people of color come publicly in the social media vaccination march to reduce stigma, especially in Black and Latinx communities.
While U.S. clinical trials for both COVID-19 vaccines do not perfectly match U.S. demographics in terms of race and ethnicity, both trials recorded more Black and Hispanic participants than did most trials. vaccines in the past. Don’t get me wrong, there is still more work to be done. Scientists must continue to include representative samples of participants in vaccine trials. They also need to continue to work to build trust with color communities.
Another group of people who may have suspicions and fears about getting the vaccine are women who are trying to conceive (TTC), pregnant, or breastfeeding. Personally, I have already seen the myths start spreading on Facebook about the COVID-19 vaccine with possible negative side effects for the fetus. My friends who are TTC or pregnant with a child are justifying on social media why they chose to get the vaccine, or sharing concerns offline about not knowing if it is safe.
This is another opportunity for medical professionals to step in, consult with women and help them make informed decisions. I am not an obstetrician, but I read through the recommendations of the American College of Lawyers and Gynecologists (ACOG) to give me factual information for such conversations with my clients, friends, and colleges.
Both ACOG and the CDC tell us that pregnancy is associated with an increased risk for a severe case of COVID-19. Pregnant black and Hispanic women also have a higher chance of receiving COVID-19 or dying of the disease. Although there are no data to suggest that there is a zero risk of getting the vaccine while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the data is clear that pregnant women who are receiving COVID -19 at higher risk of developing a worse illness compared to non-women. trom.
ACOG goes on to state clearly, “The safety and efficacy profile of the vaccine for pregnant women is expected to be similar to that seen in non – pregnant people …. A in addition, ACOG recommends vaccination of people who are actively trying to conceive or contemplating pregnancy … [and] recommends offering COVID-19 vaccines to lactating individuals. “
To be clear, ACOG understands that vaccination is an individual option and encourages all those seated with this option to consult with their medical providers.
This is true for everyone. Medical decisions should be collaborative and involve both the patient and the medical professional. We as medical professionals need to understand why some communities have fear and mistrust. We need to provide accurate, evidence-based information. We need to eradicate the fear, stigma, and lies, and normalize the COVID-19 vaccine.
Looking forward to seeing your selfie on social media.
Jennifer A. Coleman, PhD, is associate clinical director and clinical psychologist at the Home Road Program: Veterans and Families Center, and associate professor of psychology and behavioral sciences at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago .
Last updated February 05, 2021