Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Perspectives: Ideas For Vaccinating The Hesitant; US Has Long History Of Anti-Vaccination Rhetoric
Houston Chronicle: Our Next Goal In COVID Vaccination? Reaching The Reachable. Yes, They're Out There
The way out of this pandemic was never through the path of greatest resistance. Sure, the loudest voices of vaccine conspiracy theorists take up all the oxygen. Their false bravado exhausts and exasperates — and also makes for great headlines and cable TV. If we’re honest though, the only folks who have a chance of changing the minds of the most obstinate are their loved ones, and God bless those still willing to try. (8/16)
Dallas Morning News: America’s Long History Of Anti-Science Has Dangerously Undermined The COVID Vaccine
The initial United States government response to the COVID-19 pandemic was marked by a frequent disconnect between government policies and the recommendations of scientific experts. A disinformation campaign from the Trump White House convinced many Americans that COVID-19 injuries and its death toll were exaggerated, leading many to ignore public health recommendations. Those who dismissed the severity of COVID-19 were more likely to shun face masks and ignore recommendations to socially distance from non–household members. Such individuals were more likely Republicans than Democrats by a wide margin, according to the Brookings Institution, and under a flag of health or medical freedom, an outright defiance of masks and social distancing came to symbolize allegiance to President Donald Trump. (Peter Hotez, 8/15)
Bloomberg: Vaccines And Breakthrough Covid Cases In The U.S.
Do you know someone who is fully vaccinated but caught Covid-19 anyway? You’re not alone. Breakthrough cases are causing anxiety for many as Covid transmission is on the rise again in the U.S. But the fact that some fully vaccinated people are contracting Covid-19 doesn’t mean vaccines aren’t working. No vaccine is 100% effective, and health authorities around the world have been expecting breakthrough cases. In fact, the data show us that the vaccines are doing their job quite effectively. (Lara Williams, 8/15)
CNN: On Covid, People Are Making The Last Mistake
With the US in the midst of a Covid spike caused by the Delta variant, the "last mistake" for many could be a failure to get one of the highly effective vaccines -- and to mask up. Those two simple precautions are especially vital as the school year begins. "The best way to stop the spread of Covid-19 is for everyone 12 and above to get the vaccine," wrote Dr. Lee Savio Beers, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics. But vaccines for younger students aren't approved yet. "To help prevent the spread of Covid-19, which could send everyone home to quarantine for weeks at a time," Beers argued, "schools should also require everyone to wear a face mask, regardless of vaccination status." (Richard Galant, 8/15)
NBC News: Covid Mask Mandates For Schools Are Essential. Without Them, Instruction Must Be Virtual
Many of my worst pandemic fears about the fate of my cancer patients and adult family members abated once they became fully vaccinated. But with the hyper-transmissible delta variant circulating unchecked in many parts of our still half-vaccinated country, my unvaccinated 3-year-old son’s safety has never been so uncertain. (Dr. Jalal Baig, 8/14)
