BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — In an address to the nation about his COVID-19 plan, President-elect Biden said it's time to get more people vaccinated. But, some health workers are still hesitant.
A survey by the Kaiser Foundation finds that 29 percent of healthcare workers were hesitant to get the coronavirus vaccine over concerns of potential side effects. However, as more people are vaccinated, experts are able to learn more. One doctor at UAB says health care workers have been sharing their experiences with one another to give some "peace of mind".
Dr. Kierstin Kennedy, Chief of Hospital Medicine, explains, "You know, we're able to talk to each other about our own experiences of getting the vaccine, and our understanding of how the immune system works, how the mRNA technology works and the safety behind that. That's convincing people to go forward with getting it."
Dr. Kennedy adds that she believes over time that more people will feel more comfortable taking the vaccine.
RELATED: Alabama COVID vaccine updates
On January 18, Alabama will start vaccinating people over age 75 and first responders like police officers and firefighters. The demand for the vaccine has been overwhelming, with more than a million calls to the state's COVID vaccine appointment hotline.
Currently, the state and some health care facilities are creating "waiting lists" for appointments as all of the county health department appointments were filled almost immediately.
State leaders acknowledge that the demand for the vaccine far exceeds the supply. Governor Kay Ivey said in a statement:
“I am thankful so many Alabamians are willing and ready to get their COVID-19 vaccines. Please continue to be patient as we are in the very early stages of distribution. Dr. Harris and his team are continually working to more efficiently get this vaccine into the arms of Alabamians. Our current supply remains limited, but we are committed to vaccinating as many Alabamians as possible. We will get shots in the arm and off the shelf. In the meantime, be patient, wear your mask and practice good common sense. Let’s get this thing behind us.”