Alleviating Second Thoughts

Doris Toure had her first COVID-19 vaccine months before the doubts began to creep in, and soon she became skeptical about whether or not she would need a second dose. That is, until she met Vanessa Jackson, a community health advocate with Jefferson Health Foundation - New Jersey at a Vaccine Equity Event held in a Camden laundromat. While discussing Toure’s uncertainty, Jackson explained the reasons why the second dose was important. “Ms. Toure was kind and listened to the data I shared with an open mind,” said Jackson. “I didn’t use scare tactics or fear…this subtle approach worked; it gained her trust and gave her the option to think for herself, clear-headed, without intimidation.” Jackson received her second dose shortly thereafter.