My mom sent me a text on Friday that she was in line to get her COVID-19 vaccine. I was pleasantly surprised! My mom is a black woman, cancer survivor and over the age of 65. She was hesitant to get the vaccine until she had a special encounter.

A on vaccine hesitancy... 1/14

My mom was at the grocery store that day and ran into an old friend that she hadn’t seen in FORTY YEARS! While recapping several decades, the friend told her that he got his COVID-19 vaccine. My mom was shocked! Remember, this is a black man and woman both over 65 yrs old. 2/14

The friend proceeded to tell her that people were dying and that they had to do all they can to protect themselves. He strongly encouraged her to get the vaccine and told her where she could go. He said the line was short and he was in and out. 3/14

My mom went home and dropped off her groceries. His words stayed with her after their chance encounter. Later that day, she decided to see if his words rang true. 4/14

She went to the place he told her to go and was surprised to find that the line wasn’t long, just like he said! While in line, she also saw two other family members waiting to get their vaccine! She quickly felt at ease with her decision. 5/14

Mom told me that receiving the shot didn’t hurt. She only had a little soreness in her arm afterwards, but it’s gone now. She was surprised about how easy it was! She has had no other side effects. 6/14

My Dad, who was President of the “Wait and See Club,” went to get his COVID-19 vaccine this morning! He is also a black man, over the age of 65 and a cancer survivor. 7/14

I’m sharing this thread because I am convinced that this has implications for how we as #publichealth professionals deal with vaccine hesitancy. Let me share three ways on how we can deal with this issue using this case story. 8/14

First, having trusted messengers is a must! I had encouraged my parents to get the vaccine as a #publichealth professional, but it took a friend’s personal experience to help them take that step! Word of mouth can be effective in healthcare too! 9/14

We have to create space for those already vaccinated to share their stories. My mom’s friend told her about his positive experience. Then she went and saw other people she knew and trusted in line as well! Then she told my dad. He’s in line today. See how that works? 10/14

Second, ease of access is important! The main location for COVID-19 vaccines had very long lines. My mom’s friend told her about a smaller location with shorter lines. When she arrived, everything flowed well, just like her friend said. Our process has to be on point! 11/14

If she would have went and seen super long lines, she probably would have turned around and went back home. And who would have blamed her? If we want mass numbers of people to vaccinate, we have to make sure that participants have positive experiences. 12/14

Third, trusted locations in a city are important! The location my mom went to was familiar to her. Some people may not consider going to one large venue. As we continue to expand access to the vaccine, we should consider places such as schools, churches, rec centers, etc. 13/14

This is getting long, so the final thing that I will say about this is that we have to make sure that the ease of access continues when it is time for people to receive the second dose. Experiences from trusted messengers about the second dose are just as important! 14/14