Dr Anthony Fauci Says Black Woman Behind COVID Vaccine

Amid rising concerns over the authenticity of the COVID vaccine, Dr Anthony Fauci, America's famous immunologist, urged the Black Americans to trust the vaccine because one of the scientists behind the making of vaccine is a Black woman.  

In a  short video for virtual National Urban League, Fauci acknowledged the racism in medical research and about the mistrust that has spread among Black people of America. He said that the vaccines are safe and effective and African Americans have contributed to their development. 

"The very vaccine that's one of the two that has absolutely exquisite levels -- 94 to 95% efficacy against clinical disease and almost 100% efficacy against serious disease that are shown to be clearly safe -- that vaccine was actually developed in my institute's vaccine research centre by a team of scientists led by Dr Barney Graham and his close colleague, Dr Kizzmekia Corbett, or Kizzy Corbett," Fauci said.

Dr Kizzmekia Corbett is the lead scientist for coronavirus vaccine research at the National Institute of Health. She is part of a team that worked with the biotechnology company Moderna for two COVID vaccines. They are expected to be authorised by the US authorities by December end. 

"So, the first thing you might want to say to my African American brothers and sisters is that the vaccine that you're going to be taking was developed by an African American woman," Fauci added. "And that is just a fact."

As people often express their distrust in the Trump administration and pharmaceutical companies, Fauci clarified there are not the ones doing things alone. He said federal government and companies are always advised by the independent committees that have experienced medical professional part of them. 

Also read: Indian-Origin Academic Sunetra Gupta Leads Criticism Of UK’s COVID Planning

He said, " Those independent experts, not politicians, determine whether the vaccine is safe for the public."  

"When they then say that the vaccine is safe and effective, I will tell you all that I, myself, will be perfectly comfortable in taking the vaccine and I will recommend it to my family," Fauci said