As an expert in a community (weather) that deals with risk messaging to the public, I see 3 things that COVID-19 vaccine messaging could learn from hurricane forecasters. MIAMI, UNITED STATES: Ed Rappaport (R), deputy director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami, ... [+] Florida, points to a screen showing a satelite view of hurricane Frances 04 September, 2004, as he speaks to a cameraman from a network channel at the National Hurricane Center in Miami. Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center always give the full suite of threats associated with a potential landfalling storms (wind, storm surge, flooding, tornadoes). With the COVID-19 vaccine, it is my observation that many people perceive that the central function of the vaccine is only to prevent you from testing positive. As I previously wrote in Forbes, “The National Hurricane Center is a trusted source....” It is the antidote to hyperbole, conspiracy theories, and wishcasting.

Source: Forbes July 29, 2021 20:15 UTC