Thread by @ProfMJCleveland

THREADETTE: If the government wanted to up the rates of COVID vaccination, they would do this:
1) Tell Americans that unfortunately the vaccinations do NOT protect against infection or being able to transmit COVID other than in X% (if that is accurate).
BUT 1/

2/ That people vaccinated are less likely to X, Y, Z, with transparent and accurate numbers.
3) That people with natural immunity are as protected if not more protected BUT not forever and provide best info.

4/ Explain that there are side effects and especially for some groups (women w/ J&J, teens-ish w/ others), and give accurate details of that AND risk they face versus risk of COVID.
5/ Note PCP should help individuals & parents make decision for those in categories at X/Y age.

6/ Explain that message needed to change because of more information and that they failed in transparency.
7/ Add that focus now also includes staying home when sick, washing hands, but COVID is here to stay and now in addition to improving vaccinations,

8/ Gov't/medical focus is on best in care for early detection and treatment, funding & researching all promising options, politics aside.
And finally:

9/ If the feds won't do this, state leaders must say this is what feds should have done. They won't. We will. I'm 100% pro COVID vaccine & it was "easy" for me/my family because of DS's CF. And I think for many it should also be "easy," but not for those w/ young kids.

10/ I also understand folks w/ different assessments and respect honest dialogue. And fully oppose mandates for COVID other than in possibly limited cases (too nuanced to detail here). Time for States to step up more clearly than just sound bites. Make a plan & execute.

11/11 Sorry, THREADETTE matured to a THREAD. That is all.