(WWJ) -- COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is high in the Chaldean community, but a group of local doctors is hoping to change that.
WWJ’s Dr. Deanna Lites reports that over 100 Chaldean physicians from across the metro Detroit area have signed a letter offering to meet with members of the community to discuss their questions and concerns.
Dr. Rena Daiza, a family medical specialist at Henry Ford Medical Center in Bloomfield Township, says it’s been difficult to see members of the Chaldean community contracting coronavirus due to misinformation surrounding the vaccine.
“It’s been very frustrating because I do see community members getting sick, I do see community members dying,” Dr. Daiza said.
All of the doctors who signed the letter confirm they have received the COVID-19 vaccine, and say their aim is to keep their friends and family members safe from the virus.
“When we take off our white coats, we come back to our Chaldean community where we too often wear black clothing. We have lost children, parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins and friends to this pandemic,” the letter reads. “We can end this. The COVID-19 vaccine is the answer.”
"As members of the Chaldean medical community, we understand you have concerns and we encourage you to ask questions and talk to your doctor," the letter continues. "We would like to sit down with you, listen, and answer your questions. We implore you and every eligible person in your family to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Not only is it our job to keep you healthy, but we sincerely care about you and our entire Chaldean community."
Dr. Daiza tells WWJ’s Dr. Lites that even if they are only able to convince a few people to get the shot, the doctors will deem the letter successful.
“Even if one person gets vaccinated and gets protected and lives because of this letter, then it was all worth it,” she said.
To learn more about getting vaccinated against COVID-19, go to Michigan.gov/COVIDVaccine.
Related
