Overcoming Vaccine Hesitancy? Consider Apology...
I can't turn on NPR in the car or skim the Internet without hearing/reading a story about the unvaccinated. And story after story offers a multitude of opinions, ideas, and messaging tips on how we can finally get these recalcitrant individuals to roll up their sleeves and take the jab. And none of this stuff works; the un-vaxxed are only digging in their heels further despite the data, pleas, scolding, and shaming. Time to think anew?
Last year I published an article on vaccine hesitancy and African-Americans with the BMJ Medical Ethics Blog. The punch line from the article was too many African Americans are saying no to the shot because they do not trust American medicine. And too many Black Americans mistrust medicine because of all the unethical and horrific stuff done to their community by American medicine starting back in slavery and continuing forward to the late 70's. It's a trust factor.
Continuing forward with this trust theme, think of our field -- medical malpractice/patient safety -- and how often do patients and families who feel wronged by medical professionals break off relationships with doctors, practices, hospitals, and even healthcare altogether? Again, it's a trust factor. You hurt me and I don't want your help anymore. Stay away. I don't trust you.
I believe trust is a prime issue for some of the vaccine hesitant. Why? Well, just look at all the ill-informed, reckless, and downright silly stuff done by the medical/scientific community and the political class in the name of the pandemic. I write this column through my lens here in Illinois, where, for example, almost all school and club sports were cancelled during 2020 while surrounding states allowed their kids to play. Our governor literally told us those states were choosing to "endanger" children. Many coaches, parents, and kids strongly objected, but they were told to "follow the science." We know now keeping kids from the field was endangering them physically and emotionally. Then, when Illinois kids were finally allowed back on the field sports like soccer and football were required to wear masks, which was an absolute farce. The gov then threatened to sick the state police after restaurants and bars struggling to stay alive. Equally non-sensical and goofy acts happened all around the United States over the last two years. So much damage was done, most especially a violation of trust. Too many Americans of all races, creeds, classes, etc do not trust scientific and political leaders. So, is it any wonder a sizeable chunk of our population refuse COVID vaccines?
We have seen how apology can sometimes restore trust in the realm of medical malpractice. Doctors and nurses are almost always well-intentioned, but errors are errors and trust with patients and families sometimes can only be restored with an apology. The medical, scientific, and political leaders (including those souls here in the Land of Lincoln) were certainly well-intentioned (and continue to be so), but they made some horrific errors in judgement with life-changing consequences for countless kids, families, and businesses. An apology is in order or trust will never be restored.
The ears of the vaccine hesitant might actually perk up when/if they hear a politician or public health official say something like,
"Boy, we made some huge mistakes during this pandemic, and we are sorry. We were well-intentioned, but we know now that kids, families, and businesses were damaged greatly by our missteps with little to no public health benefits to show for it, and we apologize. We are much smarter now and the data shows the following..."
This is a message that will get some folks to listen, and maybe change hearts and minds and save lives.
For the record, my family and I are vaccinated. I sincerely hope more Americans will join the ranks of the vaccinated, but it may take "sorry" to grow our numbers.
Sincerely,
- Doug
Doug Wojcieszak, Founder and President
Sorry Works!
618-559-8168 (direct dial)
doug@sorryworks.net