With the COVID-19 vaccine distribution coming soon to cities across the U.S., Dr. Anthony Fauci discusses the concerns of Black communities who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19.
He explains the expedited vaccine development process, the efficacy of the vaccine, who receives the vaccine first, and more.
Dr. Fauci sees no reason why Black Americans should not trust the vaccine or participate in clinical trials.
He attributes such speed to the “extraordinary and exquisite advancements in vaccine platforms”, enabling tasks and phases completed in years to be completed in weeks and months.
While conspiracy theories often make an appearance in vaccine discussions, Fauci disagrees with the enormous volume of conspiracy theories being pumped into society, alleging that the vaccine was a government ploy to get big pharma rich.
Dr. Fauci points out the determination of a vaccine’s efficiency is entirely independent of the company. Also, the “American government doesn’t see data at all until way down the process.”
The data’s integrity and efficiency are ascertained by a data and safety monitoring board composed of seasoned clinicians, vaccinologists, and statisticians.
If such data passes the test, it] is returned to the company to be passed to the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) seeking emergency use or outright approval.
The FDA then consults its team of advisors before issuing such Emergency Use Authorization (EUA). Therefore, you see the process is well laid out to eliminate any inefficiencies, ensuring that any vaccine that emerges is safe and effective,
Has there been Black input in the development of vaccines so far?
Dr. Fauci explains that Black Americans should trust vaccines developed so far because we have one of our own playing a chief role in developing these vaccines this time.
This is very different from decades ago when vaccine development was almost a designated White affair.
Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an expert in American viral immunologist at the Vaccine Research Center (VRC) at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has been championing the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Her team collaborated with Moderna to develop one of the two mRNA vaccines that have shown over 90% effectiveness.
According to Dr. Fauci, “the vaccine was actually developed in my institute’s vaccine research center by a team of scientists led by Dr. Barney Graham and his close colleague, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, or Kizzy Corbett,” Fauci enthused “Kizzy is an African American scientist who is right at the forefront of the development of the vaccine.”
The conversation with Dr. Fauci was coordinated by a committee of highly respected medical and healthcare organizations: Blackdoctor.org, The Black Coalition Against COVID-19, Howard University, Morehouse School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, National Medical Association, The Cobb Institute, National Black Nurses Association, National Urban League, and National Institutes of Health.
By subscribing, you consent to receive emails from BlackDoctor.com. You may unsubscribe at any time. Privacy Policy & Terms of Service.
