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In a compelling webinar hosted by the W. Montague Cobb Institute and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Dr. Winston Price and Dr. Laquandra Nesbitt, a board-certified family physician with over a decade of experience leading population health initiatives, discussed the importance of vaccine uptake, particularly for influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The “Risk Less, Do More” program aims to increase public confidence in vaccines and enhance awareness of vaccine accessibility, especially among vulnerable populations.
The Importance of Updated Vaccines
Dr. Nesbitt emphasized the critical need for people to get vaccinated, especially during the fall and winter months. She stated, “Now is such a critical time, you know, the October, November time frame for people to get these vaccines that will help keep them protected during the fall and winter months.” She also highlighted the importance of protecting vulnerable groups, including children, pregnant people, and older adults.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Long-Term Care Facilities
The discussion touched on strategies to ensure high vaccination rates among staff and residents in long-term care facilities. Dr. Nesbitt suggested, “Providing them through employee programs, making them available in those health care facilities for the employees to access.” She also emphasized the importance of educating residents and their healthcare decision-makers about the annual need for vaccines.
Building Trust in Communities
Dr. Price highlighted the importance of trusted messengers in promoting vaccine uptake. Dr. Nesbitt agreed, stating, “Relatives…can get you to do things, and they can get you to not do things.” She emphasized the role of community members, faith leaders, and local health directors in building trust and encouraging vaccination.
Improving Vaccine Accessibility for Older Adults
The conversation addressed the challenges faced by older adults in accessing vaccines, particularly those on fixed incomes or in rural communities. Dr. Nesbitt highlighted that Medicare covers flu and COVID-19 vaccines, stating, “For people over 65 who qualify for Medicare, they have covered in their Medicare part and their Medicare part b covers the flu vaccine, and it covers the COVID 19 vaccine.”
Combating Misinformation and Building Trust
To address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, especially among seniors, Dr. Nesbitt suggested using multiple communication channels. She said, “We are a multigenerational society where all forms of media and communication have to be deployed.” This includes traditional methods like door-knocking, local news, and community circulars, as well as modern digital platforms.
The Importance of Booster Shots
Dr. Nesbitt stressed the significance of getting booster shots, particularly for COVID-19. She explained, “What’s in the vaccine now is addressing something different than what was in the vaccine that people got 2 years ago. So you need what is in the vaccine that is developed for this season to have protection this season.”
Addressing Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities
The webinar also touched on the challenges faced by minority communities regarding vaccine access and hesitancy. Dr. Nesbitt emphasized the importance of diverse representation in clinical trials and the need for communities of color to protect themselves through vaccination.
Global Health Security and International Cooperation
The discussion expanded to the global context, with Dr. Nesbitt highlighting the importance of international cooperation in addressing vaccine inequities. She mentioned programs like The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and stated, “Our ability to provide mitigation strategies once they’re available in the US, whether it’s sharing knowledge, whether it’s sharing resources, whether it’s sharing vaccine, whatever it might be, only helps secure the health of our own nation.”
Dr. Price concluded the webinar by emphasizing the campaign’s message: “Risk less, do more… get your relatives, friends, and community to, put their arm out.” This powerful call to action encapsulates the webinar’s core message of promoting vaccine uptake for a healthier society.