With talk about various vaccines circulating in the U.S. and around the world, it can seem like we’re starting to approach a small light at the end of a very long tunnel.
In this most recent episode of The Radio DePaul Podcast, we decided to take a look at the covid vaccine; specifically, various skepticisms surrounding the vaccine, what vaccine research looks like and what to expect after people start getting vaccinated. We got to hear from Eljay Waldman, a clinical project manager working in research, who just so happens to be Priya’s dad. He gives us the inside scoop on the research side of things: who reviews the vaccine, how it’s progressed so quickly, as well as what he hopes the general public will learn from the pandemic as a whole.
While some skepticism surrounding the speed of production of the vaccine can be addressed with data on the safety protocols that have been met, other skepticisms are much more deep-rooted and complex especially among communities of color, specifically Black communities due to historical medical racism that prevails today.
When asked what he hopes the general public will learn from the pandemic as a whole, Waldman explains that he hopes the experience of going through this pandemic will teach people the importance of relying on science and scientists for health-related matters.
We can’t tell you you should or shouldn’t get the vaccine when it’s available to you, but we did want to offer some information and conversation that might help you make that decision for yourself.
Credits and Sources:
- Intro clip
- NYTimes Q&A
- Pence, Surgeon General and First Lady get vaccine clip
- Dr. Fauci explains vaccine development, addresses skepticism on speed of development
- Skepticism amongst communities of color
- Health care workers at Mt. Sinai get vaccinated