Anti Vaxxers & the Coronavirus: Why They Matter
by Yewon Lee
Introduction
Just imagine, some time from now, that the COVID-19 vaccine has been created and approved for public use; millions of people are racing to get vaccinated; schools are reopening; the economy is up again; we, the students, can finally leave our houses, socialize, and go to school. Seems simple enough, right? But how realistic is this possibility?
Background
As of early July 2020, still in the midst of a pandemic and U.S. COVID-19 cases rising each day, Americans and people all over the world are relying solely on one factor to determine a return back to pre-COVID conditions: the vaccine. Around the globe, researchers at biotechnology companies, such as Moderna Inc., are working day and night in hopes of making a breakthrough, totaling over one seventy vaccines in preclinical development. While at first thought, it seems though everyone would eagerly take the vaccine at its earliest availability, disagreements on these medical interventions have led me to dig deeper into anti-vaccine rhetoric, specifically regarding the work-in-progress COVID-19 vaccine.
Based on the current circumstance of vaccines in development and millions of people in their 4th month of quarantine, I think that now is the perfect time to bring about conversation in minimizing fears about vaccines and what actions need to be taken on the government’s end, ultimately in preparation to maximize the efficiency of the COVID-19 vaccine once it becomes widely available, for the sake of public health.
The Problem
From campaigns railing against the COVID-19 vaccine, to false conspiracies detailing how the vaccines would implant microchips, to YouTube videos asserting vaccines would kill millions, America has really gone down, what Dr. Anthony Fauci calls, “anti-science” and “anti-authority,” when it comes to controlling this pandemic. Although groups opposing the vaccine are relatively small, current research into their internet networks and online communications have shown their strategy is, unfortunately, effective and growing by day. One prime example includes over 1300 Facebook pages with a total of 85 million followers that are constantly spreading anti-vaccination rhetoric, especially to people on the fence about vaccines, like parent associations, through emotional expression. The heart of the anti-vaccine movement tends to come out of personal messages, like “Do what is best for your children” or “Do you love your children?” that seems to have most converts and effectively change minds with lies rather than proven scientific facts.
Wording is Critical
Another facet of the anti-vaccine rhetoric comes from the general distrust in synthetic, man-made interventions. Sound familiar? There is no surprise, given it has been the center of many controversial hot-topics ever since the advent of biotechnology, ranging from rejection of GMO’s to in vitro fertilization. In fact, many of the COVID-19 vaccines are being developed using novel methods as compared to the traditional method of attenuating the live virus. One vaccine currently being tested on humans was made at Oxford University’s Jenner Institute in which researchers genetically modified the common cold virus to produce proteins that cause COVID-19, triggering an immune response.
The difficulty comes in where the public is involved, starting with the perception of the terms “genetically modified” or “synthetic” serving as one the anti vaxxers’ main points. These people, upon hearing the words are inclined to natural practices and claim human inventions inferior to natural solutions. They have a false misconception about vaccine induced immune response subordinate to natural immunity from actually getting the vaccine —they fear the vaccine more than the virus it is designed to prevent. Especially with newer techniques such as the modified cold virus or synthetic gene designed to recognize antigens, concerns will be heightened once the coronavirus vaccine is approved and ready for public distribution.
Importance
It is easy for the scientific and pro-vaccine communities to simply shrug their shoulders with apathy and say “Why should I care?” or “If people don’t want the vaccination, that’s their problem.” But it does matter; herd immunity is our ultimate goal, defined as the state of a large population of a community that has immunity to a disease to the point that the spread of COVID-19 becomes very unlikely for the entire community. Once the U.S. gets to this point, we can finally return to pre-COVID conditions. Ways to achieve herd immunity include either 70 percent of the entire US population getting the virus (letting COVID-19 to run its course) or with vaccines, the latter being a more favorable option.
However, herd immunity may be difficult through the COVID vaccine which is aiming for 70 to 75 percent efficiency according to Dr. Anthony Fauci. On top of that, we have anti-vaxxers and vaccine doubters refusing to get the vaccine in the first place; polls conducted by a NORC Center for Public Affairs Research showed around 1 in 5 Americans would refuse the vaccine despite having access to it. As of now, we don’t know the true number of people who would take the vaccine, but we do know for sure there will be much objection and doubt, as with any vaccine, but especially more with expedited processes with COVID-19. With these factors accounted for (only ⅔ of the population would be taking a vaccine that is only 70 to 75 % efficient) herd immunity would be difficult to achieve.
How Did We Get Here?
As misguided the anti-vaccine movement is, it would be equally harmful to dismiss these concerns. Nowadays, public trust in pharmaceutical corporations have diminished with increased corruption, little transparency about developing products, and shortcuts in regulation due to the current pandemic, meaning the extent of the spread and containment of coronavirus will likely depend on what the government and pro-vaccine programs do within the next 12 to 18 months.
Actions
Thankfully, there are ways to reduce the risk of resistance against the COVID-19 vaccine, but it would require much effort over the next year or so:
Emphasize Transparency. The best way to be straightforward on side effects is through active outreach. Explanations regarding side effects or risks can’t be filled with medical jargon or be in fine print and then be expected to be understood by the majority of the population. Cut to the chase in an accessible manner.
Explain Vaccine Science. Much of the doubt cast on vaccines comes from misunderstanding and miscommunication of the way vaccines truly work and how the body responds to it. Both corporations and the government should take an active role in educating the population about attenuation, culturing, immune responses, etc. if they want maximum efficiency of the vaccine.
Listen & Anticipate Anti-Vaccine Concerns. What exactly are anti-vaxxers concerned about? Pro-vaccine communities need to be more responsive toward addressing questions and personal concerns. Communication needs to be a two way process rather than overwhelming the general population with only facts, so that people don’t feel coerced.
Describe the Review Process. Especially with COVID-19, the White House has called for an expedited process and relaxed regulations. Researchers as well as physicians need to provide reassurance and clarity about what part of the process was cut and how that translates over to direct patient side effects.
Modify the Wording. Artificial connotation may further heighten fears and misconceptions about vaccine technology. There seems to be a disconnect between how health care providers describe newer vaccine innovations and bodily response. Some pediatricians are rewording vaccines as tools that stimulate natural immune reactions.
Concluding Remarks
The communication of a new COVID-19 vaccine needs to be handled in a careful and attentive manner, and we have at the very least a year until a vaccine is released to the public. That is all the time America has and needs for educational outreach and effective communication to laypeople. Vaccine development should be flexible with constant feedback and reflect consumer concerns. In the long run, the way our government and society deals with vaccines and the coronavirus pandemic will likely define the country and our generation.
Further Reading & Get Involved