At a time when the U.S. is experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitals are seeing a significant increase in COVID patients, we hope the skeptical unvaccinated population will consider the vaccine.

We have always been told to listen to our doctors and most of them have been vaccinated.

In June 2021, the American Medical Association (AMA) released a compelling survey among practicing physicians that showed more than 96 percent of U.S. physicians reported they have been fully vaccinated.  It is very compelling to see the professionals responsible for our care with results of that magnitude.  The physicians responsible for your care aren't just talking the talk, they are walking the walk!  

AMA President Susan R. Bailey, MD, could not have been any clearer when she said," Practicing physicians across the country are leading by example with an amazing uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines.  Physicians and clinicians are uniquely positioned to listen to and to validate patient concerns, and one of the most powerful anecdotes a physician can offer is that they have been vaccinated.  You can take it from your doctor: the COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective.  With COVID-19 vaccines readily available and approved for all people 12 years old and up, we urge you to get vaccinated--take the single most important step you can to protect yourself, your family, and end the COVID-19 pandemic."

According to a recent Healthline article, Dr. Eric Cioe Pena, director of global health at Northwell Health, was not surprised at all by the physician statistics. Dr. Cioe Pena said, "I find that doctors understand the vaccine data the best and can make the most informed decision regarding vaccination.   The overwhelming numbers show that this isn't a controversy or unclear decision--the data is very clear in the protective benefits of the vaccination."

At a time when there is a low level of public trust around COVID-19, a Pew Research Survey showed most Americans have a positive view of physicians.  Simply put, the public trusts physicians.  There is a greater amount of trust for physicians in the older population.

There has been a vast amount of misinformation about the vaccine, but instead of listening to people who are making the vaccine a political issue, we should be listening to the physicians who have the expertise to interpret the data and do what is best for the patient. The questions about the vaccine could be easily eliminated if we follow doctor's orders and take the vaccine.