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Since the @BritishHIVAssoc guidance on COVID-19 vaccines came out just last week, I have discussed vaccination with ALL of my HIV patients in clinic.
Some reflections on this, & why I would recommend that my colleagues do the same!
A thread /1
https://tinyurl.com/yxgxsa4u
Some reflections on this, & why I would recommend that my colleagues do the same!
A thread /1
https://tinyurl.com/yxgxsa4u
I asked my patients if they will have the vaccine when they are offered it, & heard a diverse range of responses. Many said "yes", but a lot of people had concerns and some had received misinformation from well-meaning friends and family via Whatsapp and other social media /2
I was then able to listen to & address people’s worries, & provide reassurance when needed. With some people, it was important to acknowledge the mistrust caused by the legacy of institutional & structural violence experienced by some communities. /3 https://tinyurl.com/ycwjgm3g
A poll published today found that communities most affected by COVID-19, may be less likely to take it up the vaccine & this was consistent with my experience in clinic /4 https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/16/people-from-ethnic-minorities-less-likely-to-accept-covid-vaccine-says-poll
These are also the communities that are more likely to be diagnosed with HIV late, and have more challenges to staying in care and on treatment, so it’s vital they are not further disadvantaged. /5 https://www.aidsmap.com/news/nov-2020/uk-black-people-less-likely-be-engaged-hiv-care-more-cases-viral-rebound
As HIV clinicians, we often have the privilege of getting to know our patients over a long duration and this means they may be more likely to trust us than others. That’s why it’s really important that we use this opportunity to listen to, and reassure our patients. /6
We'll be talking about this and more tomorrow at 6pm so please do join us! Huge thanks to @aidsmap for the opportunity to have this conversation. /7 https://twitter.com/aidsmap/status/1338896837449805824?s=20
