4 Black Doctors Unite to Restore Trust in Vaccines


In a recent panel discussion hosted by BDO and the Cobb Institute, leading medical experts came together to address the critical role of vaccines in public health, particularly focusing on influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The conversation, moderated by Doris Browne, MD, MPH, featured insights from emergency medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics specialists, offering a comprehensive view of vaccination’s importance across different medical fields.

Dr. Doris Browne opened the discussion by highlighting the significant impact of vaccines on global health: “Vaccines are one of the most effective public health tools that we have in our country and in our history. And over the past 50 years, vaccines have saved more than 150,000,000 lives globally.” This statement set the tone for the conversation, emphasizing vaccines’ crucial role in disease prevention and public health.

Emergency Medicine Perspective

Rose-Valentine Goncalves, MD, an emergency medicine physician, shared her frontline experiences in combating various illnesses. She stressed the importance of vaccination in preventing severe cases that often end up in emergency departments: “We are still having people come into the hospital with like their oxygen being very low, with bad, with their lungs, very very bad infection going down to their lungs, needed to be put on a ventilator from COVID and influenza.”

Dr. Goncalves also highlighted the resurgence of previously rare diseases due to vaccine hesitancy: “About 2 months ago, I had a child that had a pebble otitis because they did not get their H influenza vaccine.” This example underscores the ongoing need for widespread vaccination to prevent serious complications.

Obstetrics and Gynecology Insights

Audra Meadows, MD, MPH, FACOG, focused on the importance of vaccines for pregnant individuals and women’s health. She emphasized that vaccines are vital “for protecting women at every stage of life” and are crucial for “protecting, you know, not just the mother, but the baby, offering immunity before they’re born.”

Addressing concerns about vaccine safety during pregnancy, Dr. Meadows stated, “Vaccines are recommended during pregnancy because they’re studied and they’re monitored for safety.” She encouraged open communication between patients and healthcare providers to address any concerns and make informed decisions.

Pediatric Perspective

Tanya Rogo, MD, MPH&TM, provided insights into the impact of vaccines on child health. She highlighted the success of vaccines in reducing childhood mortality: “The leading causes of death in children under the age of 5 are pneumonia and diarrheal illness. And we have developed over the last century vaccines against those things.”

Dr. Rogo also pointed out the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing hospitalizations, noting, “It’s been more than a decade since I’ve admitted a child with rotavirus.” This statement illustrates the dramatic impact vaccines have had on reducing severe childhood illnesses.

Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy and Misinformation

The panel discussed strategies for addressing vaccine hesitancy and combating misinformation. Dr. Meadows advised, “Make sure that you’re having those conversations with your clinician, your provider, and ensure that you feel confident in the decisions you’re making to have the information you need and to be allowed to have the conversation even more than once if you need to till you feel confident moving forward.”

The experts emphasized the importance of building trust with healthcare providers, educating communities through various channels, and consistently emphasizing the safety and efficacy of vaccines.

COVID-19 and Treatment Options

The discussion also touched on COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, including Paxlovid. Dr. Goncalves explained, “The Paxlovid is effective if you take it within the first 48 hours of the symptoms.” She stressed the importance of timely treatment and shared decision-making between patients and healthcare providers.

Dr. Rogo added information about COVID-19 treatments for children, mentioning that “Paxlovid is approved for age 12 and older. So if you have a child who’s under the age of 12, who is high risk for complications for COVID, they can get something called remdesivir, which is an IV medication.”

Action Items for the General Public:

1. Stay up-to-date with vaccinations: Ensure you and your family members are current on all recommended vaccines.

2. Consult healthcare providers: Regularly communicate with your doctors about vaccine recommendations, especially during pregnancy or for children.

3. Seek timely treatment: If you contract COVID-19 or other vaccine-preventable illnesses, seek medical advice promptly to explore treatment options like Paxlovid.

4. Educate yourself: Use reliable sources to stay informed about vaccine safety and efficacy.

5. Spread accurate information: Share factual information about vaccines with family and community members to combat misinformation.

6. Consider individual risk factors: Discuss your personal health situation with healthcare providers to understand which vaccines are most important for you.

7. Be aware of timing: For certain vaccines and treatments, timing is crucial. Don’t delay in seeking medical advice or getting vaccinated when recommended.

8. Support community health: Recognize that getting vaccinated not only protects you but also contributes to overall community health.

Dr. Browne concluded the discussion by emphasizing the critical role of vaccines in public health: “We certainly hope that our discussion tonight has really highlighted the critical role that vaccines play in safeguarding the public’s health, our health, and certainly will lead to a reduction in the disparities that we see in our care, particularly for our vulnerable population.”

The panel’s diverse expertise provided a comprehensive view of the importance of vaccines across different medical specialties and patient populations. Their insights underscore vaccination’s crucial role in preventing severe illnesses, reducing hospitalizations, and protecting vulnerable populations. By following the action items outlined and staying informed, individuals can contribute to their health and the wellbeing of their communities.

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