Some Republicans Swing Pro-Vax, But Anti-Vaxxer Rhetoric Is Rising
According to The New York Times, some elected Republicans are feeling pressure from health advocates and are speaking out to boost vaccinations. But The Hill reports on a rise in anti-vaccination rhetoric among other elected officials and the right-wing media.
The New York Times:
Some Republican Leaders Speak Up For Vaccines
As the Delta variant rips through conservative swaths of the country, some elected Republicans are facing growing pressure from public health advocates to speak out — not only in favor of their constituents being inoculated against the coronavirus but also against media figures and elected officials who are questioning the vaccines. “We don’t control conservative media figures so far as I know — at least I don’t,” Senator Mitt Romney, Republican of Utah, said in an interview on Wednesday. “That being said, I think it’s an enormous error for anyone to suggest that we shouldn’t be taking vaccines. Look, the politicization of vaccination is an outrage and frankly moronic.” (7/15)
The Hill:
Anti-Vaxxers Gain Power On Right, Triggering New Fears
Public health experts are growing increasingly concerned about a rise in anti-vaccination rhetoric among elected officials and right-wing media as a new wave of coronavirus infections begins to wash over Americans who have yet to get vaccinated. Legislators in more than 40 states have introduced measures to bar vaccine passports, and many Republican governors have signed executive orders or laws barring their use. (Wilson, 7/14)
Los Angeles Times:
Unvaccinated May Require Tougher Tactics Amid COVID-19 Surge
With coronavirus cases rising among the unvaccinated and efforts to get them shots lagging, there is growing belief in some public health circles that more aggressive tactics are needed to get more of the population inoculated. California has already tried prizes and game show-style events to encourage people to get vaccinated. But 41% of Californians of all ages have yet to be inoculated. And two troubling and related trends are bringing calls for fresh thinking. (Money and Lin II, 7/14)
Axios:
30% Of Immigrants In ICE Custody Have Refused A Coronavirus Vaccine
Three in 10 immigrants in U.S. detention centers are saying no to the COVID-19 vaccine, Axios has learned. Vaccine hesitancy among detained immigrants has added an unlikely twist to the challenges of a pandemic-era increase in border migration. ICE did not provide the exact numbers of immigrants who were offered the shot but declined. But the 30% figure has been shared internally, according to sources familiar. (Kight, 7/15)
CIDRAP:
Doctor-Delivered COVID Messages May Boost Protective Steps
A JAMA Network Open study today describes successful deployment of a video tool to improve COVID-19 knowledge, beliefs, and risk-reduction behaviors of Black and White adults. In the randomized clinical trial, a team led by Harvard Medical School researchers randomly assigned a video message about COVID-19 to 18,233 Black and White adults with less than a college education recruited from Aug 7 to Sep 6, 2020. The goal was to assess whether the messages would increase coronavirus knowledge, information seeking, and protective behaviors if they were tailored to Black adults. (Van Beusekom, 7/14)
And more on the vaccine rollout —
The Washington Post:
Fort Rucker In Alabama Is First In U.S. To Require Vaccination Proof Amid Rising Covid-19 Rates
An Alabama military base is taking increased actions to combat the ongoing prevalence of coronavirus infections, authorizing leaders to ask for proof of vaccination of service members not wearing a mask while on duty. It is the first military base in the continental United States to allow leaders to check the vaccination status of those in uniform. The new guidance at Fort Rucker comes as the new delta variant of the virus continues to drive infection rates and now accounts for a majority of cases in the United States. (Hauptman, 7/14)
Fox News:
North Carolina County Launches 'Doses To Doors' Vaccine Campaign
Health department workers and community outreach groups have kicked off a "doses to doors" COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, where just 49% of residents have received at least one jab. The program, which officials say offer a convenient way for residents to get the shot without having to worry about travel, was met with mixed reaction on Twitter. "They don’t move that fast to help people when they know a hurricane is coming," one Twitter user wrote. (Hein, 7/14)
Fox News:
Popstar Olivia Rodrigo Visits White House, Promotes COVID-19 Youth Vaccination At Press Briefing
Teen pop star Olivia Rodrigo was looking happy and healthy at the podium of Wednesday’s White House press briefing to promote coronavirus vaccinations for young Americans. The "Drivers License" singer met with President Joe Biden and Dr. Anthony Fauci and became the latest celebrity to assist in the administration’s vaccination efforts. Rodrigo spoke about vaccinating those who were apprehensive before joining Press Secretary Jen Psaki in addressing reporters on the matter. Rodrigo began her short speech stating how "humbled" she felt to be chosen as an advocate for the cause. (Stabile, 7/14)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Bay Area Doctor Arrested For Allegedly Selling Fake COVID-19 Vaccination Cards
A Napa homeopathic doctor was arrested Wednesday for allegedly selling what she claimed was a COVID-19 antibody treatment and fake vaccination cards, according to federal authorities. Juli A. Mazi, 41, allegedly sold immunization pellets to patients, claiming it would provide “lifelong immunity to COVID-19,” and give customers fake vaccination cards with instructions on how to falsify they received two shots of the Moderna vaccine, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. (Flores, 7/14)
