Surgeon general has message for Hoosiers: Get vaccinated

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – Surgeon General Vice Admiral, Jerome Adams, paid a visit to Indianapolis on Wednesday to deliver a message to some Hoosiers who might be hesitant to get the coronavirus vaccine.

During a press conference at Eskenazi Health, Dr. Adams discussed the racism and neglect minorities have experienced in healthcare settings of all types in the past and how African Americans in particular have been a target. But in today’s world this should not stand in the way of getting the vaccine.

“I want people to know the Independent Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) had people of color reviewing these vaccines,” he said. “That is why I personally felt safe getting the vaccination on live TV last Friday.”

His only side effect was mild pain at injection site.

Adams also said that he and Dr. Anthony Fauci fought to have people of color be represented in the clinical trials, which is why he feels confident the vaccine will not only work in White Americans, but also Black, Latino and Native Americans among other minority groups. However, it’s up to the American people to do their part.

“I want people to know that these vaccines are 95% effective. The bar we set was 50%. So, you are truly, truly denying yourself to give yourself an almost 100% protection against this virus should you choose not to get it.”

News 8’s medical reporter, Dr. Mary Elizabeth Gillis, D.Ed., is a classically trained medical physiologist and biobehavioral research scientist. She has been a health, medical and science reporter for over 5 years. Her work has been featured in national media outlets. You can follow her on Instagram @reportergillis and Facebook @DrMaryGillis.