(INDIANAPOLIS) – About half of Hoosiers over 16 have gotten at least their first shot of the COVID vaccine, and state health officials estimate another 20% are firmly opposed to it. They’re focusing now on reaching that remaining 30%.
State health commissioner Kris Box says the health department is sending a “toolkit” to doctors across the state with suggested talking points on the vaccine. She says reaching those still on the fence can’t be judgmental — it has to be a conversation with one patient at a time about what’s holding them back.
Box says the health department will continue working to debunk myths about the vaccine. But chief medical officer Lindsay Weaver says many people aren’t hesitant about the vaccine’s safety or effectiveness, but haven’t gotten it because it hasn’t been convenient, or wanted to wait until the whole family could get the vaccine at once, or wanted to get the shot from their family doctor. The health department is working to break up the bulk shipments of hundreds of vaccine vials it receives from the federal government so it can supply doctor’s offices with the shot.
Box notes giving health advice to patients who are dragging their feet is nothing new for doctors, whether it’s the vaccine, a colonoscopy, or getting more exercise. She says doctors need to listen to what patients’ stumbling blocks are.
Weaver says the department is trying to identify influencers whose voices are more likely to be heard, whether that’s pastors, local officeholders, musicians or athletes. The state began running vaccine ads with IndyCar drivers Tony Kanaan and Charlie Kimball this week.
