The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is seeking to regain public trust, but acknowledges that rebuilding will be a gradual process.
Mandy Cohen, the new Director of the CDC, denounced attempts to discourage people from getting vaccinated as baseless and potentially harmful.
By Chelsea Cirruzzo
Cautioned individuals who are in good health and under the age of 65 to refrain from receiving the recently approved Covid-19 vaccination.
Cohen described attempts to decrease vaccine acceptance as “unfounded and, frankly, risky.”
She stated that it is crucial for people, especially in Florida, to be aware that getting vaccinated is a safe method for preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. She emphasized the importance of Americans receiving these vaccinations.
It is believed that the majority of people are open to the administration’s message. A recent survey by Morning Consult and POLITICO shows that over 50% of voters are inclined to get the latest Covid vaccine. Around 80% of Democrats plan to get the new vaccine, while approximately 40% of Republicans intend to seek out the updated shot.
On Thursday, she penned an opinion piece praising the effectiveness of Covid vaccines and revealing that her husband and two young daughters would be receiving the vaccination soon.
She stated to POLITICO that a crucial aspect of establishing trust is ensuring that others are aware that she would not suggest anything for the American people that she would not recommend to her own family.
Cohen is following in the footsteps of former CDC Director Rochelle Walensky, who implemented a significant reorganization of the agency after facing backlash for its handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“I prefer not to take credit for initiating the project,” stated Cohen. “This is simply a continuation and advancement of my previous efforts.”
Walensky did not reply to a comment request.
Restructuring the method of communication for the CDC is a vital aspect of the initiative. This entails overhauling the agency’s website to better cater to consumers, according to CDC communications director Kevin Griffis.
Paula Tran, a health official from Wisconsin who met with Cohen this summer, informed POLITICO that as a prominent figure in the health field, she is aware that the public has had their trust tested on occasion.
Griffis reported that a new educational program has been implemented for CDC researchers, which instructs them on effectively communicating in plain language. Additionally, Cohen frequently holds meetings with CDC staff to discuss any issues or updates in “Meetups with Mandy.”
The agency provides weekly updates on scientific developments and frequently discusses what is still unknown about the variant as a testament to their efforts.
Cohen stated that we are currently embarking on a journey towards improving scientific communication.
Cohen has directed states to align their public messaging with the agency’s efforts.
During a meeting in Washington state, Cohen advised health officials to develop straightforward and cohesive communication regarding the upcoming season for respiratory illnesses, including procedures for obtaining Covid-19 vaccinations.
Tao Kwan-Gett, the chief science officer of Washington state, stated that it is important for us to have transparency in our decision making and data.
According to Tran, the Wisconsin health department has faced difficulties with the CDC in recent times regarding the timely release of data to the general public. As the pandemic response shifted to a more regional approach, the department noticed discrepancies in Covid guidance among school districts, local organizations, and counties.
Tran stated that the CDC is responsible for national coordination regarding our primary public health concerns and ways to enhance public health infrastructure.
Tran expressed her satisfaction with Dr. Cohen’s collaborative approach and his willingness to listen to their colleagues at the local level during his visit to the department in August.
Source: politico.com