Past Pandemics Influence the Ongoing COVId-19 Pandemic

BLAYNEY KLEIN – Pandemics are nothing new; from the Spanish Flu to the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, we have long since experienced the phenomenon. COVID-19 is simply the latest pandemic to grace the list. 

Numerous public and private organizations are developing a COVID-19 vaccine; this is formally known as Operation Warp Speed. Operation Warp Speed is well underway, and has been since March. With multiple trials currently in the works, we inch closer to a viable coronavirus vaccine. 

There is growing concern for the overall safety and effectiveness of the vaccine. The public’s uncertainty stems from various hiccups in the trials. British drug manufacturer AstraZeneca had one female participant experience transverse myelitis, which is caused by a viral infection and inflames the spine. Other participants in Moderna and Pfizer’s trials experienced fever and chills. 

In a recent study, The Pew Research Center examined the public’s attitude toward the vaccine. The study found that, of the people surveyed, only 21% would “definitely” get the vaccine. 

Though the side effects may seem scary, they are not uncommon in clinical trials. That being said, the adverse side effects are so publicly covered by the media. It may affect how many people ultimately line up for the COVID-19 vaccine. 

Similar to past pandemics, there are major communication challenges. Scientific uncertainty is one reason for these challenges. Experts and the general public alike are still learning about COVID-19. Consequently, questions remain. 

These questions will remain unanswered until the vaccine trials wrap up. Until then, it may be wise for these companies to convey the benefits and safety of their vaccine. Ultimately, people make decisions using perceived social norms and heuristics paired with emotion. Rarely is objective information the sole contributing factor. 

If you’re 18 years or older and want to participate in the clinical trials, visit this website to join. 

Copy Editor: Sara Sohani

Photography Source: Bianca Patel, https://news.usc.edu/172028/coronavirus-vaccine-covid-19-development-approval-usc-experts/