SLMMS Addresses Vaccine Hesitancy, Urges COVID-19 Vaccinations

As the rate of COVID-19 infections escalates in southwest Missouri including the Delta variant, threatening the St. Louis region, the physicians of the St. Louis Metropolitan Medical Society (SLMMS) encourage all who are eligible to obtain a COVID-19 vaccine.
To address vaccine hesitancy, and ultimately achieve herd immunity, widespread vaccine acceptance across all demographic groups will be imperative. Physicians are working to build trust and acceptance of the vaccine, especially among groups who are the most vulnerable. The Medical Society supports outreach efforts to deliver vaccinations to these vulnerable populations.
Studies show that patients regard their individual physicians as their most trusted source of information on COVID-19 vaccination. Physicians have the appropriate information to help others feel more confident about the vaccine and show that they are safe, effective and the best way to protect our community.
Getting the vaccine is a powerful step in taking charge of your health. Getting vaccinated also enables you to protect those around you, especially older people and those living with chronic health conditions, who are more likely to experience severe cases of COVID-19 if infected.
The Medical Society especially urges younger adults and teens to get the COVID-19 vaccination, since recent new cases, hospitalizations and deaths have been much higher among younger people.
The benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine far outweigh the risks for most everyone – ask your doctor if the vaccine is right for you. Without safe and available vaccines, we will never defeat the virus, and getting vaccinated enables you to protect yourself and those you love. We are all in this together.