With the CDC and FDA recommending a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, scientists and communication specialists say that how this message is delivered is equally as important as the message itself.”
“Looking at Johnson & Johnson's release, I don't think in the way it was worded, it sounds alarms," Professional Lecturer at American University's School of Communications, Jason Mollica said. "But … you already have people still heightened because they're, you know, worried they're not going to get the vaccine, or they're worried about, you know, what are the side effects, things like that. All of that together can kind of create this cacophony of worry..."
David Broniatowski, Associate Director with George Washington University's Institute for Data, Democracy, and Politics, said the CDC and FDA's recommendation is actually a good sign.
“That is a clear indication that our institutions, our public health organizations are working for us," he said. "They are making sure that we stay safe.”
The pause, however, has already deterred some people from the J & J vaccine in the future, some posted on social media. Others questioned how the company could ever emerge from this public perception.