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April 26, 2021 12:00pm
Power Poll: Chattanooga leaders say politics, misinformation are driving vaccine hesitancy
Most Chattanooga leaders are concerned about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Tennessee and believe politics and misinformation are the driving forces behind it, according to the latest Times Free Press Power Poll — which surveys individuals in Chattanooga and Hamilton County who make or influence policy decisions at the local, state and federal levels.
Most Chattanooga leaders are concerned about COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Tennessee and believe politics and misinformation are the driving forces behind it, according to the latest Times Free Press Power Poll — which surveys individuals in Chattanooga and Hamilton County who make or influence policy decisions at the local, state and federal levels.
However, the vast majority of those who responded to the survey are extremely willing to be vaccinated themselves, with 88% saying they were “completely willing” to be vaccinated and had already received at least one shot. The survey results reflect state and national trends, where higher levels of vaccine acceptance is seen among populations with higher education attainment and income levels, such as those participating in the Power Poll.
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COVID-19 vaccines: Q&A with four BlueCross medical directors
As of April 21, more than 215 million COVID-19 vaccines had been administered in the U.S., with more than 134 million Americans having received at least one dose. Now that eligibility in Tennessee includes anyone over the age of 16, we understand some people may still have questions.
We asked these four BlueCross medical experts to share what they’ve learned so far about the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines, and what to expect when getting one:
- Dr. Andrea Willis, senior vice president and chief medical officer
- Dr. J.B. Sobel, vice president and chief medical officer of senior products
- Dr. Jeanne James, vice president & chief medical officer of BlueCare Tennessee
- Dr. Stephen Peake, medical director of senior products
Vaccine development and testing
Can you tell us about the different vaccines that are available? How were they developed and tested?
Dr. Sobel: There are three vaccines currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Pfizer and Moderna are messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines. This type of vaccine teaches our body how to make a protein which then triggers an immune response. That immune response produces antibodies, which is what protects you from the virus if it were to enter your body. The third is the Johnson&Johnson viral vector vaccine, and it works by using a modified virus (that poses no threat of contracting COVID-19) to instruct our cells to make antibodies. This process produces the same antibodies and a similar immune response as the mRNA vaccine.
It’s important to note that all three of these vaccines have gone through the normal testing and approval process with the FDA that all other vaccines have gone through.
In the clinical trials that have included tens of thousands of participants, they have been found to be safe and effective.
The level of immune response is greater than even the flu vaccine in recent years.
Dr. Willis: U.S. health officials recently called for a pause in distribution of the Johnson&Johnson vaccine due to extremely rare cases of blood clots. These clots occurred in just 6 reported cases out of the nearly 7 million Americans who received this vaccine, and illustrates how closely medical experts are following adverse reactions to all of the COVID-19 vaccines. This side effect is sometimes seen with other medications, as well. We’ll continue to monitor these developments and share information with our members.
How long will the antibodies last from the COVID-19 vaccine, and how frequently will we need to get it?
Dr. Peake: Research on this topic is still ongoing, but conservatively, health experts are saying six months. This means that we will have to get a booster shot; it’s just a question of when.
Dr. Willis: Yes. The FDA has already cleared a process to approve boosters at a faster pace. That’s good news, so we can hopefully stay ahead of the emerging COVID-19 variants.
Speaking of variants, what is a variant?
Dr. Sobel: Variants are different types of the same virus. Over time, the protein coat around a virus can change and this can create differences among the characteristics of the virus. These changes can include how likely it is to cause active infection, what symptoms are visible and even how deadly it can be.
Dr. Willis: This is why you often hear that we’re in a race between variants and vaccines. The more that a virus is able to circulate, the greater the chances are that it’s going to mutate. This is another reason it’s so important to go ahead and get vaccinated.
Can you still be an asymptomatic carrier of the virus after getting the vaccine?
Dr. James: Research is showing that all three of the vaccines are very effective in preventing serious infection, hospitalization and death. What we’re still learning is if you can still experience an asymptomatic infection that you can spread to someone else after getting the vaccine. Early data shows that vaccines may help keep people from spreading the virus, but we’re still learning as more people get vaccinated. That’s part of the reason why experts recommend still wearing your mask, washing your hands and social distancing until more people are vaccinated.
Would you recommend one vaccine over another?
Dr. Willis: The best vaccine is the one that you can get as soon as possible. Any vaccine you choose is going to give you protection that you don’t have today.
What to know and expect when getting a vaccine
Have you received your vaccine? Can you tell us about your experience?
Dr. Peake: I had both doses of the Pfizer vaccine in February. I had a sore arm with each for about 24 hours. I’ve heard reports of a fever and some swelling from others, but these are all minor and subside on their own. I got the vaccine so it’ll be safe to be around my family again.
Dr. Sobel: I’ve also received the Pfizer vaccine. I had some arm soreness the day after both injections, but no other symptoms. I got vaccinated because I wanted to protect my family and those around me. I want to get back to work and get out and see people again.
But more than anything else, I want to reach herd immunity, which is when enough people have protection that this virus stops spreading, even if a relatively small portion of the population is not yet immunized.
Dr. James: I have similar reasons as Dr. Peake and Dr. Sobel, but I also want to be a good example. I know there are people that trust me and want to know if I’ve gotten vaccinated. I want to share my experience to hopefully encourage others who may be undecided.
Dr. Willis: I want to be a good example as well. I know there is hesitancy, especially in minority communities, but minority communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. We have something that can help us out of this pandemic, and I want to be a part of that.
Can you get the vaccine if you take a daily prescription medication?
Dr. James: Yes. We haven’t seen any evidence that the vaccines interfere with medication or vice versa. If anything, it’s even more important that you get the vaccine since that medication may be for a condition that puts you at a high risk for severe complications from COVID-19.
Should you get the vaccine if you have already had COVID-19?
Dr. Peake: Yes. Once you’ve gone through the quarantine period and you’re no longer experiencing symptoms, the CDC recommends getting the vaccine.
If you’re feeling ill with a relatively minor condition like a sinus infection, should you wait to get the vaccine?
Dr. Sobel: Yes. The questionnaire you complete when making your appointment for the vaccine will actually ask you how you are feeling. The CDC guidance is to wait. It’s best to not have any fever or active infection within the last 14 days before you receive your COVID-19 immunizations.
Does the vaccine have any impact on fertility?
Dr. Peake: No. Pregnancy is actually considered a high-risk condition for COVID-19 and that makes it even more important for pregnant women to get the vaccine. There is no data to show that there is any impact on either male or female fertility.
Dr. Willis: The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have endorsed getting the vaccine, as well as the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine and the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Dr. James: It’s also important to note that studies have shown that newborns whose moms have had COVID-19 or who have received the vaccine, have been born with antibodies. The vaccine can help protect both mom and the baby and that’s just another reason why it’s important to get vaccinated.
Should you wait to receive any other immunizations after receiving your COVID-19 vaccine?
Dr. Sobel: The current recommendation is to not receive any other vaccine within 14 days of the COVID-19 vaccine. Most immunizations have a window to receive both the first and second dose, so it shouldn’t be an issue to delay. I would prioritize the COVID-19 vaccine, so you can have the most protection at this critical time, before you receive any other recommended vaccinations. It’s best to have discussions around immunizations with your health care provider if you have questions on timing or priority of immunizations.
What else should Tennesseans know about COVID-19 vaccines?
Dr. Willis: It’s a unanimous decision between the four of us that you should get your vaccine. We’re not just talking about it, we’ve done it, and it’s important to us. It’s important to your community and it’s important to your family. Everyone has the opportunity to be a role model.
Our message is clear: get your vaccine.
More about the COVID-19 Vaccine
The Facts on and Support for the Vaccine From BlueCross
The poll, conducted Monday through Thursday, was sent to 119 people, and 73 replied for a response rate of 61%. While not scientific, the monthly survey gauges what business, civic, education and nonprofit leaders and elected officials are thinking.
Politics was the most popular answer (33%) in terms of what’s fueling vaccine hesitancy, followed by misinformation (25%) and distrust in science/vaccines (14%), though several respondents who left comments about the poll said that the issue is multifaceted.
“I definitely do believe that all of the factors listed contribute to the hesitancy in getting vaccinated in addition to other reasons,” wrote Sheila Boyington, co-founder and president of Thinking Media. “It is surprising to hear that people are more worried about side effects of the vaccine than actually getting COVID. As someone who had family and close friends die from COVID and hearing from those on the front line at Erlanger as the vice-chairman of their Board, I believe we need to trust the science.”
Zach Wamp, president and owner of Zach Wamp Consulting and a former U.S. congressman, said he believes vaccine hesitancy is also age dependent.
“Older citizens have greater risk for not taking the vaccine so they take it willingly. Young single women are least likely to take it because there may not be conclusive data on child bearing effects since the virus is barely a year old. Mixed messages from ‘experts’ have also tainted the vaccine campaign,” Wamp wrote.
Mark McKnight, president of Reflection Riding, said that he would’ve preferred the option “all of the above” in terms of what’s driving vaccine hesitancy. He also said poor understanding of the scientific process, from both the general public and political leaders, is to blame. However, he is hopeful that hesitancy will fade with time.
“It is clear the vaccines are safe. Unfortunately, too many area residents don’t trust science, and scientists are notoriously bad at communicating simply and effectively,” McKnight wrote. “The fact that science changes recommendations rapidly with new evidence (this is a feature of the scientific process, not a bug, by the way), and you have a recipe for vaccine hesitancy.”
Respondents were not optimistic when asked whether herd immunity for COVID-19 — which public health experts estimate will require 70% of the population to be vaccinated — will be achieved this year in Hamilton County. Fifty-five percent of respondents said that the county will not reach herd immunity this year.
The majority of respondents are also concerned about vaccine hesitancy, with 56% said they were “moderately worried” and 23% saying they were “very worried.” Nearly 14% of respondents said they are “not worried at all” about vaccine hesitancy.
In terms of returning to work, most respondents were either moderately or slightly concerned about COVID-19 exposures on the job, and only 4% said they were “very concerned.”
Respondents were not optimistic when asked whether herd immunity for COVID-19 — which public health experts estimate will require 70% of the population to be vaccinated — will but achieved this year in Hamilton County. Fifty-five percent of respondents said that the county will not reach herd immunity this year.
About vaccine hesitancy specifically, 56% said they are “moderately worried,” 23% saying they are “very worried.” Nearly 14% of respondents said they are “not worried at all” about vaccine hesitancy.
In terms of returning to work, most respondents were either moderately or slightly concerned about COVID-19 exposures on the job, and only 4% said they were “very concerned.”
Contact Elizabeth Fite at efite@timesfreepress.com or follow her on Twitter @ecfite.
About Power Poll: Power Poll asks questions of the most powerful, influential people in U.S. cities. It is not a scientific survey. But because the people responding to the surveys comprise the leadership structure of their cities, the results afford a fascinating glimpse into the thoughts, opinions, and beliefs of those in a position to make change. Power Poll is distinctly nonpartisan.
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