Medical workers frustrated and demoralized by misinformation

Rochester, New York – Last week, New York’s Department of Health announced an end to religious exemptions. The push, part of a plan to get more people vaccinated against COVID-19.

Andrea Curry, for the past four years, has been working as an emergency room nurse at Rochester General Hospital, but come Monday, she could be out of a job.

“I am going to stick with my decision not to get the vaccine. And I’m not exactly sure what I’ll be doing from there. But at this point, I’m not going to be getting it between now and Monday,” said Curry.

A couple of studies have documented just how political the vaccine issue has become. “It’s been demoralizing from the start to see how politicized basic public health measures have become,” said Dr. Emil Lesho.

According to the infectious disease specialist, it feels rampant misinformation and disinformation has greatly impacted the healthcare system. “Where that starts is so well organized and so vocal, that it really oftentimes overshadows the truthful messaging from the authoritative sources,” said Dr. Lesho.

Social media has helped fuel the fire of fake pandemic news, according to a recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation.

For Curry it’s not about the false statements, it’s about choice.