National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Anthony Fauci confirmed Thursday that he will take his eventual coronavirus vaccine on camera to build trust in the science behind it.
During an episode of CBS News correspondent Major Garrett’s podcast “The Takeout,” the journalist told Fauci that former Presidents Bush, Clinton and Obama have all vowed to get their inoculations on camera in order to encourage others to do so.
“Indeed, and as will I,” Fauci responded, adding that he would have the inoculation filmed “as soon as my turn comes up.”
“I hope it comes up soon” he added, joking that he’s “a pretty old geezer.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices this week released its recommendations that health workers and residents of long-term care facilities should be the first recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine, followed by people older than 65 and others with underlying medical conditions.
Fauci said Thursday that leaders have “a job to do to reach out and convince people to get vaccinated.”
Garret said that he has been told by experts that faith leaders could play a leading role in encouraging Americans to get the eventual COVID-19 vaccine.
“In the end, faith leaders, meaning your priest, your pastor, your rabbi and your imam may prove as important as any public health official in conveying this message and increasing acceptance,” Garrett said.
“I totally agree,” Fauci responded. “That’s what community outreach means, Major. It means people can relate to the people who are outreaching to them, and people who they trust. Those are the people in the grassroots level at the community, and you’re absolutely correct. The faith-based leaders, the priests, the rabbis, the ministers, that’s important.
“Also, sports figures,” Fauci continued. “I’ve been on some podcasts with some sports figures and entertainers, and then you find out how many people actually linked in to listen to that. It blew me away.”
He has said people in long-term care facilities and others at risk could begin being vaccinated this month and will continue through the first quarter of 2021, with vaccinations for all U.S. residents continuing through the second quarter of the year.