Want to Convince Others to get the COVID-19 Vaccine? Try Listening to Them First

Jennie Kucertz '10 is a psychologist who currently works in Belmont, Mass., at McLean Hospital, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School. She recently wrote an editorial piece in America Magazine outlining the personal struggles people encounter when determining whether or not to receive a COVID-19 vaccination.

"When I tell you that I received the Covid-19 vaccine last month, I am guessing it will not surprise you. If you were to search for me online, the results might be what you already expected for a Harvard-trained psychologist—employer profiles and scientific papers with technical titles. I grew up in a community of doctors and highly educated professionals, attended good schools surrounded by supportive adults and went on to higher education. So you might think that I am exactly the type of person who would be excited about vaccines; that of course #ITrustScience. And you would be right."