Sometimes people do change their minds. Here's why these individuals eventually got their COVID-19 shots.
, ‘representation matters and is critical to repairing centuries of structural racism that contributes to medical mistrust.’
“I live in Alaska and I became an EMT last year. I was initially a little hesitant to get my COVID vaccine because I am in a few Facebook groups where other medics and even nurses were commenting that they wanted to wait to see more clinical trials. Another great part of the medic training I received around the COVID vaccine was how to speak with patients about their own vaccine hesitancy. We were taught to listen to vaccine concerns with patience and empathy, because it is normal for a non-medical community member to have questions around something that they are unfamiliar with and are being asked to put into their body.
Now I can’t believe I was hesitant to get that particular vaccine! In order to be an EMT we must get many other vaccines, and the same goes for visiting my overseas family. The proof of vaccination cards are nothing new, and getting the vaccine is an easy way to take control and feel a sense of power and community after such a stressful year where many felt like there was no way to help out and nothing they could do.