Are catchy vaccine titles helpful?

Vaccine
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KYW Newsradio’s Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross. 

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor 
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — The government often comes up with catchy titles for big initiatives, but sometimes, catchy titles can backfire. 

There is a concern that Operation Warp Speed could have an impact on the acceptance of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Speed is important; we need an effective and safe vaccine as soon as we can get it. 

But the emphasis on speed without mention of safety might scare people off. 

A recent survey found only one-third of Americans would take a vaccine for the virus if we had one. 

We need more than a third of the country to take a vaccine if we are going to have success. It’s critical to have an emphasis on safety and education about why a vaccine is important. 

It should be happening now and it should be emphasizing safety.