Page 10 - DMN1Q21

The COVID-19 Vaccine
The Old Saw
An Editorial by E. Chris Bush, MD
There is oft-used expression: Avoid the topics of religion and politics if you want to steer clear of a difficult conversation.
Most patient-physician visits begin with small talk to break the ice and put each other at ease. Typically the weather, sports or an upcoming holiday are the openers. Since the first case of Covid-19 nearly a year ago most patients have been eager to talk to their physicians for knowledge, guidance and reassurance.
Thank goodness the vaccine is now available and I’m happy to report that I got mine. Nevertheless, the mention of the disease, its treatments and preventative vaccine sometimes backfires. A patient you may have known for years will surprise you with his or her remarks about the “China virus”, that it is all a hoax or conspiracy or that wearing a mask is an affront to their rights as an American. Now what do you do? I do not want to get into an argument with the patient or come off in a condescending way. I usually try to deescalate the situation and find a
way to reach the patient. The vaccination can become a means to an end by allowing the individual to see his or her family, have more social outlets and pursue an exercise program. Most of the people I talk to are really bored. We are all socially isolated with limited options to other than staying home or going to work if you have an in-person job. A trip or going to a ballgame seems to be a faraway dream at this point.
Most of the time the staff and I are educating the patients about the vaccine. They are concerned about the safety and efficacy but most of all they want to know how to get it. The initial rollout through the hospital organizations have been difficult as computer/smart phone skills are needed to secure an appointment. Now that pharmacies are coming on line it may become easier. That approach may have additional concerns such as long lines, crowding and lack of social distancing.
Those of us in primary care are ready, willing and able
to stand up when we are called to administer the vaccine. Our patients are depending on us to provide the service due to comfort, familiarity and trust. My opinion is
that it will take “all hands on deck” to achieve herd immunity as determined by the scientific community in
a timely fashion.
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10 Detroit Medical News
First Quarter 2021