The public is invited to participate in a virtual town hall discussion on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness and myths from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. (CST) Wednesday via Zoom.
“This is Your Shot: Vaccine Facts & Science,” will be hosted by the Texas Tech University System, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) and TTUHSC El Paso.
As cases of the delta variant increase, Texas lags behind the national average vaccination rates, especially in rural counties and Black and Hispanic neighborhoods. Of the 29 million Texans, only about 43% have been fully vaccinated, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
The town hall will provide attendees facts and information addressing vaccine hesitancy and will allow for questions from the public.
Texas Tech University System Chancellor Dr. Tedd L. Mitchell, M.D., will welcome guests to the town hall. TTUHSC El Paso President Dr. Richard Lange and TTUHSC President Lori Rice-Spearman will moderate the town hall discussion. Experts will address the following, as well as answer questions from viewers.
TTUHSC El Paso:
Dr. Armando Meza, chief of infectious diseases
Why are some individuals still contracting COVID-19 — including the delta variant of the virus – despite being fully vaccinated? Am I going to need a booster dose of the vaccine, and why?
Dr. Sireesha Y. Reddy, chief of obstetrics and gynecology and Women’s Health Practice medical director
What are the risks of contracting COVID-19 during pregnancy? What is the evidence of safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy and in newborns?
Dr. Glenn Fennelly, chair of pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases specialist
Is the vaccine safe for children? My child is young and healthy. Why do they need the COVID-19 vaccine?
TTUHSC:
Dr. David Edwards, medical director, Student Health Services
Why should a young, otherwise healthy person take a new vaccine? Why is it important to have a vaccinated student community?
Jeff Dennis, assistant professor of public health
Why does slowing the spread matter? How can we communicate information about the COVID-19 vaccine with people who are somewhat or strongly opposed to receiving the vaccine?
Dr. Teresa Baker, obstetrics and gynecology, Infant Risk Center co-director
Is it safe to get the vaccine if I am breastfeeding? Is it safe to breastfeed if a person tests positive for COVID-19?
Ronald L. Cook, D.O., TTUHSC Chief Health Officer, chair of family and community medicine and City of Lubbock Health Authority
There remains lots of controversy over the safety of vaccines. Could we ask you to review the current data and its safety? Explain FDA approval, and should I wait for the approval before I get vaccinated?
Participants can view the town hall at: https://ttuhsc.zoom.us/j/97343730987 and are encouraged to sign in at 12:15 p.m. The discussion will be available to record and view
