OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – We may be wrapping up the second year of a deadly pandemic, but we are entering a new period of concern.

Omicron, the newest and most unknown variant associated with cold and flu season, signifies a community of extremely sick people.

So the race to save lives means doctors are trying to reach the public by any means possible – especially those who are skeptical of the Covid-19 vaccine.

It has been a slow and steady climb; the effort to protect black and brown communities from the virus. Distrust, mistrust, skepticism and fear of the drug has been a dominant reason for the lack of vaccinations, but things are improving.

“We want people to have all the information they need,” said Dr. Jasmine Marcelin of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Nebraska Medicine.

Because of this, you’ll see Dr Marcelin alongside family doctor Dr Andrea Jones – in Nebraska Medicine’s latest covid-19 public service announcement.

The PSA reassures the public that the vaccines have not been rushed, despite popular opinion.

Just as important as the content of the message is who is saying it.

It doesn’t just come from two seasoned health experts, but distinguished black female doctors as well.

Six News asked Dr Marcelin if she thought it was important and her response was a resounding ‘yes’ but with mixed feelings.

After all, Nebraska Medicine, other local hospital systems, and the Douglas County Health Department have expressed the need for more communities of color to get vaccinated.

They have tried and succeeded in introducing the life-saving vaccine in hard-to-reach areas and neighborhoods disproportionately affected by poverty or historically more reserved about trusting doctors, thus keeping their promises of access and treatment. ‘equity.

Yet the national push to find more innovative ways to reach more minorities persists and this is no exception here at home.

Dr Marcelin said Nebraska Medicine knows this and is working hard on the front lines and behind the scenes to find more creative ways to educate everyone about the vaccine.

‘One of the things that will always warm my heart, make me a little sad and bring me joy is the number of times I have had one-on-one conversations with people who say … much better to hear about vaccines coming from you, ”explained Dr Marcelin.

Although the data reflects minorities accepting the call to action to protect themselves and their neighbors, black residents still lag behind in vaccination rates at just under 40 percent being fully vaccinated.

Frankly, it is a terrible time to be susceptible to disease.

“It just won’t be good if you need a hospital bed and you don’t have one because the hospitals are full,” she added.

This is another reason PSA takes such a blunt approach, showing Dr Marcelin getting the shot in her arm and telling everyone she’s afraid of needles.

In the video, she even jokes that she can’t even watch the nurse while the dose is being administered.

“We are doctors, but we are also human,” Marcelin said… “being genuine and open is the most important thing we can do. “

She said the PSA was not meant to be arrogant or judgmental, but rather an opportunity for the community as a whole to hear from their health officials and have a realistic time with them.

“I’m not going to convince you to do one thing or another. What I want to do is make sure you have all the information you need to make your decisions and feel comfortable. said Marcelin.

In terms of numbers, although 39% of black metro residents are fully vaccinated, 43% percent have received at least one dose.

So, health experts expect the number to increase in the near future.

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