Article Text: APA hosted a virtual briefing for staff of the U.S. House of Representatives Science Committee to prepare for distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. Participants discussed a range of issues related to a consensus study from the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine that was designed to provide a Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine.
Leading the discussion was psychologist Baruch Fischhoff, PhD, one of the study’s authors, who highlighted the importance of a rigorously designed, evidence-based risk communication and community engagement program to ensure focal populations at the state, tribal, local, and territorial level would accept a vaccine. In addition, Fischhoff highlighted the need for an evidence-based vaccine promotion campaign that would include a rapid response research grant mechanism to evaluate existing or novel theory-driven strategies and interventions to decrease COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy, increase COVID-19 vaccine uptake, and eliminate social cultural, logistic, and legal barriers to COVID-19 vaccination in focal populations. Through such informal virtual briefings and panel discussions, the House is gathering valuable information to educate Congress and help formulate hearings in the future.
For more information, contact Geoff Mumford, PhD, or Joseph Keller.