Mayo Clinic, U of A try to build trust in COVID-19 vaccine

The Mayo Clinic recently partnered with the U of A College of Medicine for a town hall to address concerns surrounding COVID vaccinations. Horizonte host Jose Cardenas spoke with the Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Juan Gea Banacloche about how to build trust in the vaccine in communities of color.

At the virtual town hall targeted toward communities of color, Dr. Gea Banacloche says a common question asked was if there were any corners cut when making the COVID-19 vaccines.

“There’s this misconception that the vaccines have been rushed into the market or into the population without enough studies. That’s really a misconception.”

“The reason these vaccines have been developed in a year instead of the ten years that vaccines used to need to be developed is not because the safety hasn’t been first and center. It’s because our technology is so much better than it used to be,” Dr. Gea Banacloche said.

According to Dr. Gea Banacloche, communities of color’s mistrust in medicine has always been apparent. Historically, medical providers mistreating communities of color is prevalent. As a result, these communities of color remain distrustful.

To combat this mistrust, Dr. Gea Banacloche says being open and answering questions is important. “There’s nothing that is hiding under the table, and we are recommending the vaccine to our families and our loved ones,” Dr. Gea Banacloche said.

He says being open about the symptoms of the vaccine is important. There are potential side effects from the vaccine, but not serious symptoms and the vaccine remains effective. “We cannot say the vaccine is nothing and you’re not going to feel anything. Of course, you’re going to feel something. It’s a very strong vaccine and you are going to have side effects. But, there are no serious side effects,” Dr. Gea Banacloche said.