September 9, 2021
The document titled AMA COVID-19 GUIDE: Background/Messaging on Vaccines, Vaccine Clinical Trials & Combatting Vaccine Misinformation was published by the American Medical Association for Winter 2021 opening with “It is critical that physicians and patients have confidence in the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines as they become available for public use” and continues with “To overcome vaccine hesitancy and ensure widespread vaccine acceptance among all demographic groups, physicians and the broader public health community must continue working to build trust in vaccine safety and efficacy, especially in marginalized and minoritized communities with historically well-founded mistrust in medical institutions”.
The document includes sample social media content which may be posted that includes statements of questionable accuracy such as:
- “Any and all #COVID19 vaccines authorized will meet the highest standards of quality, safety and effectiveness set by the FDA’s rigorous regulatory review process. All vaccines undergo a rigorous scientific review to ensure they are effective and safe.
- “From lab testing to clinical trials, everything is in place to make sure coronavirus vaccines are safe and effective”.
- “As a physician, I will be getting the COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines go through rigorous testing by scientists & doctors, multiple testing phases, and then FDA review before authorized. If authorized, they will be safe & effective.”
Twelve pages address key physician messaging, frequently asked questions, talking points, AMA position messaging, messaging on vaccine development, importance of vaccines, combating the spread of vaccine misinformation and new ethical guidance for physicians and vaccines.