What’s plan B if you’re reluctant to receive COVID-19 vaccination?
We have all been working together at all levels of government to fight this pandemic, and perhaps the most essential aspect of this fight is the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines, and getting shots in arms as quickly as supply allows. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues and new variants of the disease spread, it is critical that we all do our part by getting vaccinated.
The sheer number of cases is what allows the virus to mutate so rapidly, and the best way to curtail this trend is to get vaccinated. The Cook County Department of Public Health has been working diligently on the mass vaccine administration plan, standing up more and more access points throughout suburban Cook County. Although vaccine production has yet to meet demand, it’s important to sign up and be ready when your turn comes.
There have been unprecedented level of disparities in health care outcomes during the pandemic, especially in the African American and Latinx Communities in Chicago and Cook County, and across the country. A major contributor is that Black and brown communities are disproportionately impacted by some of the underlying conditions that have affected the severity of the virus, including chronic kidney and cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and obesity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently added sickle cell disease to that list.
Part of the reason for these underlying conditions are the social determinants of health such as lack of access to quality health care, housing, education and employment.
I know that African American and Latinx people, including some in health care, are hesitant to be vaccinated based on the historically bad treatment they and their families have experienced with our health care system, and as an African American I completely understand how they feel. We must listen to their concerns and work to build the trust that was lost over generations of poor treatment.
However, there are many in our communities willing and ready to take the vaccine. That is why equity has been a focus of the county’s vaccine plan and why it’s especially important for Black and brown communities to be first in line to get the vaccines.
Personally, with more than 25 years of health care experience, I have seen firsthand the importance of following science and data. I remember working at the beginning of the HIV epidemic and how desperate victims of that terrible disease were for any medication that could help. We are fortunate that we have COVID-19 vaccines with such a high rate of efficacy and safety, and the data has been overwhelmingly positive. Although the vaccine itself was produced in record time, the research and technology it is based on took years of work.
Additionally, part of the education process is letting people know that the clinical trials that led to the emergency use authorizations for both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines had good participation from Black and brown communities, so we know that they were equally safe and effective across various ethnic and racial groups.
The world has suffered more than 2.5 million deaths due to COVID19. The United States has had over 500,000 of those deaths and Cook County has had more than 9,700 deaths since the beginning of this pandemic. Of the 9,700 deaths in Cook County, more than 2,600 have been African American, and more than 2,100 have been Latino. We need to do everything we can to prevent this tragedy from continuing.
I encourage everyone to get vaccinated when their turn comes so we can more quickly move toward a semblance of normalcy. My husband, as a health care professional and front line worker, was one of the first people to step up and take his shot. He did his own research, trusted the science and is now fully vaccinated.
If someone feels the vaccine is not something they would be willing to take, I implore them to continue their research and speak with credible experts. If it was a friend of mine, I would also be sure to ask, “What’s your plan B? What will you do instead of taking the vaccine?”
It is vital that our communities don’t get left behind as we begin to focus on economic recovery and build toward a more equitable future. Ultimately, you don’t have to take my word for it. Look at the data, follow the science, listen to the experts and seek sound counsel.
Together we can move forward. Join the global movement to eradicate the pandemic by doing your part by stepping up and taking your shot. Donna Miller is a Cook County commissioner from District 6, made up south and southwest suburbs including Justice south to Matteson and Richton Park, east to South Heights and Sauk Village and north to Homewood, South Holland and Dolton.