Vaccine Conversations in the Time of COVID-19
Healthcare Ready, in partnership with the Medtronic Foundation and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy, is hosting a series of webinars titled Vaxx Chats. The objective of the Vaxx Chat series is to better educate the general public, particularly people in under-resourced communities, around vaccine development and distribution. These chats aim to help individuals better navigate the flood of information and media related to the vaccine, and promote the exchange of information and questions among healthcare providers and community leaders.
Each Vaxx Chat features health experts, community leaders, and others who serve historically marginalized populations and as well as rural communities. This series will focus on assessing the root of hesitancy within specific communities and the development strategies and accompanying resources for filling these gaps.
Check this page often and follow us on Twitter to see when new #VaxxChats are added. Be sure to tune into live Vaxx Chats on Zoom or Facebook Live most Fridays at 10am EST.
Related Content: COVID-19 Main Page | Treatments | Vaccines | COVID-19 and Equity
Below are descriptions and recordings of past Vaxx Chats – click on a video to watch!
Vaxx Chats
Therapies for COVID-19
Panelists Phyllis Arthur (Vice President for Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science Policy at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization) and Dr. Mark Jarrett (Senior Vice President and Chief Quality Officer at Northwell Health) joined Charles Ellison (WURD Radio) to discuss the science behind FDA-authorized COVID-19 Monoclonal Antibody treatments. Additionally, panelist answer important questions about monoclonal antibodies and other therapeutics including how the treatment works, who is eligible, what it costs, and how community-based organizations (CBOs) can help educate and raise awareness about the treatment and access to it.
Healthcare Ready Nationwide Domestic Preparedness Poll
Each year, Healthcare Ready conducts a Domestic Preparedness Poll to examine major gaps in in the nation’s disaster preparedness and opportunities for continued improvement. This year, we asked respondents questions about COVID-19 vaccines to better understand their willingness and perceived barriers to receiving the vaccine. Healthcare Ready’s Executive Director, Dr. Nicolette Louissaint, discusses the reasons driving vaccine hesitancy, understanding hesitant populations’ reluctance to get vaccinated and barriers to getting the vaccine across different groups.
How Do We Have a Better Vaccination Conversation?
Panelists Dr. Nicolette Louissaint (HcR Executive Director), Maryland State Delegate Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk, and Dr. Kevin Ahmaad Jenkins (Lecturer at the University of Pennsylvania and a Core Investigator at the Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion) discuss new strategies to increase vaccination rates in the most vulnerable communities, as well as issues of access and trust that have led to low vaccination rates. Panelists explore reasons for low vaccine rates that go beyond a hesitancy narrative, but represent challenges around access and trust.
Vaccine Facts and Safety for Adolescents
Panelists Lisa Schwartz, Pharm.D., RPh (Senior Director, National Community Pharmacists Association), Dr. Carol J. Neil (Professor of Nursing at Florida State College at Jacksonville), and Bayli Larson, Pharm.D., M.S., BCPS (Strategic Initiatives Associate, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists) discuss the safety and effectiveness of the current FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, they explore strategies for increasing vaccination rates amongst the adolescent population, as well as getting more parents comfortable with the idea of vaccinating their children.
Vaccine Safety and Development – Part 1
Panelists Dr. Melissa Clarke (Physician, Patient Advocate, and Author of “Excuse Me, Doctor! I’ve Got What?”, and CEO of the BHE Group a health equity and health literacy consulting firm) and Phyllis Arthur (Vice President for Infectious Diseases and Emerging Science Policy at the Biotechnology Innovation Organization) address the science behind the current FDA-authorized COVID-19 vaccines. The expert panelists also had a conversation about centering health equity, especially in the context of COVID-19, and how it can be applied to boost vaccine confidence and access.
COVID-19 Booster Shots
US vaccination efforts have progressed, with more people being vaccinated every month. However, the issue of waning immunity is now a topic of concern, with data supporting the need for a booster shot. Dr. Carlisha Gentles, Senior Risk Management Analyst at FDA and Clinical Pharmacist at Community of Hope in Washington, DC, joins Charles Ellison on WURD Radio to address questions regarding COVID-19 Booster Shot and the future of COVID
Blob Family
COVID-19 remains a part of daily life for all. The following short animations provide educational information for all audiences on what COVID-19 is, the purpose of vaccinations, and actions we can take to keep ourselves and others safe.
The Blob Family and the Pandemic Bedtime Story
We understand that some people may be nervous about the COVID-19 vaccines. Fortunately, researchers have been working on vaccines for coronaviruses for years, so they did not have to start from scratch. Everyone should have the opportunity to be as safe and healthy as possible.
The Blob Family and the COVID-19 Exposure
Exposing the dangers of COVID-19 can help keep you and those around you safe. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is a safe way to build protection against the disease. COVID-19 vaccinations help protect you by teaching your body to fight the virus without having to experience sickness or putting yourself at risk of severe illness.
The Blob Family and the Vaccinated Building
Creating a community of mostly vaccinated individuals can help slow the spread of COVID-19. While we know getting vaccinated isn’t always comfortable, you can play a big role to by keeping yourself and your community up-to-date on vaccinations — including the seasonal flu shot and the COVID-19 vaccine. By staying updated on immunizations, we can make sure our continued efforts to fight COVID-19 will keep everyone safe.
The Blob Family and the Streets Smarts about COVID-19
Vaccinations can be scary, but the dangers of not being vaccinated are even more frightening. Receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is a safe way to build protection against the disease. There are a lot of vaccine myths and misconceptions out there. However, COVID-19 vaccinations can help protect you by teaching your body to fight the virus without having to experience sickness or putting yourself at risk of severe illness. Just like street safety, COVID-19 safety is vital!