UConn Voices

January 18, 2021 | Karin Whiting Burgess - School of Pharmacy

Pharmacy Students Create COVID-19 Vaccine Information Series in 5 languages

As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out many people still have questions associated with the two dual-dose immunizations. Thirteen UConn School of Pharmacy students created a variety of 2-3 minute videos answering some of people’s most concerning questions and recorded the information in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Polish. “Our curriculum emphasizes evidence-based medicine and there […]

Collage of screen shots of YouTube videos presenting some of the COVID 19 vaccine questions topics being discussed in the linked videos

As the COVID-19 vaccine rolls out many people still have questions associated with the two dual-dose immunizations. Thirteen UConn School of Pharmacy students created a variety of 2-3 minute videos answering some of people’s most concerning questions and recorded the information in English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Polish.

“Our curriculum emphasizes evidence-based medicine and there is no better lesson for the students than learning how to counter the misinformation surrounding COVID-19,” says Diana M. Sobieraj, PharmD, Associate Professor. “Creating these informational videos has allowed the students to provide a public service while practicing their skills in identifying credible sources of information, interpreting medical literature, and communicating this information at a level that is understandable by the general public. We truly hope the information helps people make evidence-based decisions about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.”

Find the answers to the following questions and more via the language playlists*:
English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and Polish.

Will I test positive for COVID-19 after I get the vaccine?

Will the COVID-19 vaccine give me COVID-19 disease?

Do the COVID-19 vaccines contain formaldehyde, mercury, animal parts, or fetal tissue?

Were the vaccines studied in diverse populations?

Why is it important that women get the COVID-19 vaccine?

I am pregnant or breastfeeding, should I get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Can the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility?

Why is it important that Black, Indigenous, and Latino people get the COVID-19 vaccine?

Why are pharmacists and pharmacy technicians leading the fight to immunize patients against COVID-19?

What is Bell’s Palsy and does the COVID-19 vaccine cause it?

Are the COVID-19 vaccines effective against the new strains of SARS CoV2?

If the COVID-19 vaccines are so safe, why can’t you sue the companies?

Why do I need two COVID-19 vaccinations instead of one?

How do the mRNA COVID-19 vaccines work and can they change my DNA?

If I got COVID-19, do I need the vaccine?

What are the likely side effects of getting the COVID-19 vaccine?

What is Vsafe and should I enroll?

What is herd immunity?

“I am so proud of our students and the quality of these videos. To rapidly develop these concise but impactful video scripts, record and produce them, and then translate them into many different languages to extend their reach is no small undertaking. Our students’ willingness to give up time in their winter break to share their knowledge and passion in support of their communities is wonderful. They understand that unless we get accurate information out to every person, regardless of their background or current situation, we will not achieve the herd immunity that will empty out our hospitals and allow life to return to normal.” says C. Michael White, Pharm.D., Head of Pharmacy Practice and UConn Distinguished Professor.

*All questions are not answered in every language at time of this publication. All questions are expected to be translated in coming weeks.