Makes sense. For sure- we as humans are/should reasonably be in a rush to provide each person with a vaccine to protect all of us- to mitigate mutations, deaths- major stuff.
I am finding that in many of the conversations this world is having (or needs to have and isn’t) a few things are missing: nuance and/or empathy. (Disclosure: So hopeful about Leronlimab, retired after years of public service- primarily public health- and eager for folks like my elderly mom to get ANY vaccine.)
Thinking (and in an internal conundrum) about . . .
- A public health system (thinking also about BP and the clinical trial process) historically focused on white men: ‘Diversity’ is a word giggled at by the public or a box checked. (ex., Tuskegee study- https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm ). I even see that here when in connection with the conversations about the board make-up.
- Individuals with medical issues: If pregnant, breastfeeding, have an over or under active immune system, COPD, obesity, etc. those folks would reasonably like to know more about what is best for them and if they have been included in any considerations.
- Options: Have loved ones in Africa. Are they getting what they need? Lived there many years- and have seen fist hand that the bottom of the barrel is provided there- ex. batteries that last 15 minutes, lack of health care, etc.
- Un/Reasonable questions: Folks I have talked to worry about the long-term effects of a vaccine, use of aborted fetus (not me- just relaying!), the rush because there is such a need, already had covid, etc.
- Data, Data!: After the 2013 government shutdown- there was a major shift in the public sector. We public servants started demanding that our ‘leaders’ start telling the public what we actually do (after seeing that they public pretty much only thought the government ran public parks). The pendulum shifted to data, data. I was thrilled at first- it would show what great things were happening- until the focus of public health shifted way too far to only data- versus services, better than SOC, etc. (“I don’t care how many babies are saved by the program- if we don’t have the date to show it.”) The recent AMA conference call nearly brought tears to my eyes hearing the same BS. (I believe someone on this board is very familiar with ‘using’ data . . . .)
- Total focus on vaccines versus therapeutics: Nuff said.
Sorry for the rant- but am feeling that I (i.e., public health) may have a part in putting people into a place of distrust. Breaks my heart. But to get through it we need to question and have discourse on the concerns. I – for one- so appreciate the information and expertise on the nuances.
I am finding that in many of the conversations this world is having (or needs to have and isn’t) a few things are missing: nuance and/or empathy. (Disclosure: So hopeful about Leronlimab, retired after years of public service- primarily public health- and eager for folks like my elderly mom to get ANY vaccine.)
Thinking (and in an internal conundrum) about . . .
- A public health system (thinking also about BP and the clinical trial process) historically focused on white men: ‘Diversity’ is a word giggled at by the public or a box checked. (ex., Tuskegee study- https://www.cdc.gov/tuskegee/timeline.htm ). I even see that here when in connection with the conversations about the board make-up.
- Individuals with medical issues: If pregnant, breastfeeding, have an over or under active immune system, COPD, obesity, etc. those folks would reasonably like to know more about what is best for them and if they have been included in any considerations.
- Options: Have loved ones in Africa. Are they getting what they need? Lived there many years- and have seen fist hand that the bottom of the barrel is provided there- ex. batteries that last 15 minutes, lack of health care, etc.
- Un/Reasonable questions: Folks I have talked to worry about the long-term effects of a vaccine, use of aborted fetus (not me- just relaying!), the rush because there is such a need, already had covid, etc.
- Data, Data!: After the 2013 government shutdown- there was a major shift in the public sector. We public servants started demanding that our ‘leaders’ start telling the public what we actually do (after seeing that they public pretty much only thought the government ran public parks). The pendulum shifted to data, data. I was thrilled at first- it would show what great things were happening- until the focus of public health shifted way too far to only data- versus services, better than SOC, etc. (“I don’t care how many babies are saved by the program- if we don’t have the date to show it.”) The recent AMA conference call nearly brought tears to my eyes hearing the same BS. (I believe someone on this board is very familiar with ‘using’ data . . . .)
- Total focus on vaccines versus therapeutics: Nuff said.
Sorry for the rant- but am feeling that I (i.e., public health) may have a part in putting people into a place of distrust. Breaks my heart. But to get through it we need to question and have discourse on the concerns. I – for one- so appreciate the information and expertise on the nuances.
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