Trust in Faith Leaders Builds Vaccine Confidence

Naeem Baig recalls the big question: “Just tell me, Imam, should I take the [COVID-19] vaccine?” Baig is outreach director for the Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in northern Virginia which serves a community of immigrants from all over the world. For many the Center serves, the COVID-19 pandemic hit hard, especially the more vulnerable members working in the service industry. Understanding the severe challenges facing these individuals and families, as well as the rapidly spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, the Center created short educational videos in seven different languages and held virtual community nights to build vaccine confidence. Audiences were moved by seeing their community and religious leaders speak from personal experience about getting vaccinated. “I remember not just one but a few community members coming to me at different times and asking, ‘is it safe to take the vaccine; I trust you, and if you say it is good then I will take the vaccine,’” said Baig. “This level of trust can be very overwhelming and humbling. They are willing to take a risk because they trust their leaders.”