segment 3 (first part; before interview)

The COVID-19 pandemic caused major changes in public policy and people's views. The vaccine is safe and effective, but many Americans still don't trust it or the government. This lack of trust has led to an anti-vaccination movement that can be dangerous. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a public health crisis that elicited radical changes in public policy, government initiatives, and social perspectives. Although the COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be both safe and over 90 percent effective in preventing an individual from contracting COVID-19, skepticism and opposition still lingers within a large portion of society. In fact, as of December 2021, roughly 15 percent of Americans remain unvaccinated due to distrust in the efficacy of vaccines or distrust in the government. The pandemic ultimately initiated a general lack of trust in public health policy and scientists and instigated an anti-vaccination movement with potentially fatal consequences.