TUESDAY, June 15, 2021 (HealthDay News)
While COVID-19 vaccination rates may lag among some groups, that's not the case for practicing physicians in the United States.
More than 96% are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with no significant difference in vaccination rates across regions, according to a new survey from the American Medical Association (AMA).
Even among the 4% not yet vaccinated, 45% said they do plan to get their vaccine.
"Practicing physicians across the country are leading by example, with an amazing uptake of the COVID-19 vaccines," said Dr. Susan Bailey, president of the AMA.
"Physicians and clinicians are uniquely positioned to listen to and validate patient concerns, and one of the most powerful anecdotes a physician can offer is that they themselves have been vaccinated," Bailey said in an AMA news release.
"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," she added.
The national AMA survey was conducted June 3 to 8. It showed an increase of more than 20% of physicians vaccinated compared to a May 2021 Medscape poll.
The medical association has worked for months to bolster vaccine confidence, reduce vaccine hesitancy and provide physicians with the information and resources they need to answer patient questions.
Among those efforts was the launch of a webinar series called "What Physicians Need to Know."
The series has included insights from experts at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the vaccine review process and from U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention experts on vaccine development and distribution.
In the most recent episode, the series' eighth, the AMA joined with the de Beaumont Foundation for a webinar to help physicians respond to common vaccine misinformation among patients.
More information
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has more on COVID-19.
SOURCE: American Medical Association, news release, June 11, 2021
Cara Murez
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