People Are Scared, Be the Scientist Friend They Need
At first, I thought it was just me.A few months ago, as Pfizer released its initial data on their vaccine trial, followed quickly by Moderna, I started receiving messages. Initially, a few close friends asked what I thought about the vaccines, then a friend from high school (which, at this point, is half a lifetime ago), followed by another friend that I hadn’t spoken to since middle school. My husband’s friends, my mom’s friends, more of my friends - everyone was inquiring about the new COVID vaccines. They wanted to know how the vaccines were developed so quickly and more about their mRNA technology. Most importantly, they wanted to know if I thought the vaccines were safe.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m MORE than happy to help walk people through the basics. I’m actually encouraged by it. After several years of evidence-based silencing and deliberate misinformation from the highest levels of public power, if this is what it takes to regain public trust, I will field questions all.day.long.I suppose it made sense that people would reach out. I work in clinical diagnostics. My background is in genetics and microbiology. I’m also extroverted and share a fair amount of my life online, likely resulting from growing up as a millennial (and a previous gig working as a freelance writer). Curiously, I asked my co-worker if she was also getting these questions about COVID and the corresponding vaccines. She was. I inquired with a few more biology friends and it was the same story. Everyone was fielding questions from friends both near and far, asking about the COVID vaccines.It probably took me longer than it should have to figure out what was going on. Beyond all of the statistics and public health campaigns, people are scared. And after a year like 2020, who could blame them? By reaching out to you, fellow scientists, they are looking for information from a source they can trust, and these one-on-one relationships are more important than ever.Let me be clear here. I’m not a physician. I do not have a Ph.D. But I’ve been in genetics long enough for those around me to value my experience and expertise. Additionally, I have the great fortune of working at an educational hospital. This gives me access to a plethora of scientific information that would likely be cost-prohibitive to personally access otherwise. It also provides a direct network of experts to tap into should any questions beyond my understanding come up - both from a clinical AND from a research perspective. As a side note, everyone I’ve ever reached out to at the hospital, whether we’ve ever met before or not, has been incredibly generous with their time and knowledge.I’m of the mindset that the more scientists sharing their knowledge and experiences with COVID vaccines, the better. Here are a few things I’ve noticed along the way that may prove helpful in having these conversations with your friends and family.
How Were the Vaccines Developed So Fast?
This is probably the most common question that comes up.
- Increased Collaboration - there was a crazy amount of data-sharing between all kinds of scientists trying to figure out how to fix this global pandemic.
- Basic Science Research - there was already research on mRNA vaccines and coronavirus vaccines being conducted before the pandemic hit (there’s a great segment from This American Life about it)
- Funding - countries all over the world were throwing a LOT of money at getting this vaccine developed (the sake of the global economy provides increased financial incentive)
Start From the Basics (and Build On It as Needed)
This feeds back into meeting people where they are at in their scientific understanding. Working in science, we tend to use acronyms and jargon that others outside of our field may not understand.When someone wants to know what mRNA is, I could mention the Central Dogma of Biology, but they probably don’t know what that is since it hasn’t come up since high school biology class (it’s DNA to RNA to Protein, by the way). Instead, I explain that mRNA acts as instructions for your cells to make the spike proteins of the virus. Then their own immune system responds to those proteins by making antibodies. Those antibodies will be present in their blood if they are exposed to the virus post-vaccine. Antibodies recognize the invading virus and fight it off.I recognize this is a simplified version, but it’s a starting point. There will almost certainly be follow up questions.
Ask Your Own Questions
Ask about their specific fears. What is it that makes them question whether they want a vaccine or not? They could be concerned about unknown future side-effects. Perhaps it's the possibility of an acute allergic reaction. Or maybe it involves some misunderstanding of how the technology works.Since I know they are asking out of fear and uncertainty, I want to know the fundamental reason why they are reaching out to me. This definitely helps steer the conversation.
Answering the “Would You Get It In My Situation” Question
This one is tricky. I don’t know the full medical workup of any given person. I always encourage those asking me for my input to have a conversation with their doctor before making a decision.I’ve already received my first dose and have scheduled my second, so I would probably have received the vaccine regardless. Still, I don’t want to lead someone with underlying issues to do anything (like, ever) without talking to their primary care provider.
Be Honest, Provide Perspective
Do the vaccines have side effects? Yes. But most are indicative of your immune system doing its job. Is the vaccine 100% effective? No. However, (as far as I know) there exists no pharmaceutical that is 100% effective, ever.Provide honest information, but put it in an informative and relatable context.
If Someone Reaches Out, They Probably Aren’t Trolling
It’s maddening to have the same conversation over and over about vaccines. I’ve written in the online parenting world, and it’s a subject that comes up a lot. Honestly, you can usually tell when someone is NOT open to having an evidence-based conversation about them. But if someone is messaging you to ask a question, even if they seem a bit wary, 99% of the time, those are people that are coming to you with an open mind, not an argument.
Remain as Judgement-Free As Possible
No one wants to feel talked down to about their fears, even (and, arguably, especially) when those fears are based on something they do not fully understand. At some point, we’ve all felt like our anxieties were dismissed and felt talked down to because of it.If you want to get through to people, yelling at them about why they were wrong for feeling that way in the first place is not likely to help your cause. Remember, you have to meet people where they are in their scientific understanding.
Share Your Own Experiences
Author BioKatie Carrick is a lover of all things DNA and has spent the better part of the last decade working in cytogenetics and molecular diagnostics. She graduated from NC State University, where she met her future husband (a material scientist) while pursuing her Biology degree (truly a Romeo and Juliet story if there ever was one.) Her “kids” include a strong-willed toddler, a velcro baby, and a tiny dog named Mendel. You can find her at Raised on Love and Science on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.