Should the COVID-19 Vaccine be Required? And Other Ethical Questions

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and highly effective. But to some, the arrival of the vaccine raises questions. In this week’s episode, Dr. Jim McDonald and Dr. Philip Chan explore how healthcare professionals should approach patients who may be taking the “wait and see” approach when it comes to getting vaccinated.  The doctors also take a hard look at ethical questions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine. Should colleges and hospitals require vaccination? Should America be doing more to address vaccine supply shortages in other parts of the world? Guest expert, Dr. Tom Bledsoe, a general internist and chair of the Rhode Island Hospital Ethics Committee, will help answer some of these questions. Dr. Bledsoe also discusses his experience as a member of the COVID-19 Vaccine Planning Sub-committee at the Rhode Island Department of Health.  What did Rhode Island do well in the vaccine rollout and what could have gone better? Download this week’s episode to find out.