An observation re: language, media information distribution & #COVIDー19 vaccinations.

I took a Lyft to work this morning because I was running late.

My Lyft driver was an older Black man who after asking if I was a doctor he asked me about the #COVIDー19 vaccine:

“I heard on the news that they *targeting* Black people to get the vaccine first. Why *target* us?”

He emphasized targeting/target.

We got into a convo about higher covid19 mortality for Black and Latinx populations and the myriad reasons for this.

When we started talking about the vaccine, I learned his concern was about being forced to be a “guinea pig”

His interpretation of “targeting” was to being selected by people with nefarious intentions for experimentation

I offered a reframe: “Black people aren’t guinea pigs. People are considering prioritized us for protection b/c we are most at risk. That’s what they mean.”

He summarized what I just said, the inflection at the end turning his statement into a question: “so they want to give the vaccine to Black people because the Black people are dying the most?”

I said: “exactly that”

He then asked if I would get the vaccine and I told him yes. Our conversation turned to the people we’d both lost to this hellish virus and we shared condolences just as we pulled up to the Farber.

Though I have no idea what this man will ultimately do regarding accepting or refusing a covid19 vaccine - I do know that language is powerful and context dependent.

When I walk through treatments or diagnoses I like to say to the patient: just so I know we’re on the same page and that I’m doing a good job of explaining can you tell me what you understand from what I said?

A lot of information about the vaccine(s) is being fed through the media to laypeople without backgrounds in science or public health.

This isn’t bad per se.

But, who’s making sure important information isn’t lost in translation (or drowned out by misinformation)?

Part of being informed is someone telling you accurate information but the other part -the most important part- involves you understanding the information.

I’m not into predatory persuasive tactics - but I’m all about ensuring people have information so that they can make the best informed decision for themselves and their family.

There’s room for improvement in communication.