Trusted Voices in Public Health Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Safety

The widespread distribution of COVID-19 vaccines makes it possible to end the pandemic which has impacted our lives over the last several months. On April 23, 2021, the University System of Maryland released a statement requiring all faculty, staff and students to be vaccinated before the fall return to campus. And while many who are affiliated with the Universities at Shady Grove (USG) have already received at least one vaccination to date, others still have questions about the vaccines.

So in an effort to support informed decision-making as it relates to getting the COVID-19 vaccines, USG hosted a webinar on Friday, June 11, 2021 titled "Trusted Voices in Public Health Discuss COVID-19 Vaccine Safety," which featured a robust discussion with a panel of trusted voices in public health on COVID-19 vaccine efficacy and safety. The topics discussed included how the vaccines were tested, how they became available, their safety record and rumors that are circulating about COVID-19 vaccines. Attendees also had an opportuniity to submit anonymous questions in advance of the webinar, to be answered by the panel.

For a replay of the webinar session that was held, and to read more about the panelists who participated, please see below.

Featured Panelists

Dr. Wilbur Chen University of Maryland School of Medicine   Read Bio

Bria Graham-Glover University of Maryland, Baltimore   Ms. Graham-Glover is an Infection Control Epidemiologist and previously worked in hospital epidemiology for both The Johns Hopkins Hospital and the University of Maryland Medical Center. She received her Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology from the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University. In her current role, Ms. Graham-Glover serves as the lead contact tracer and epidemiologist for UMB, tracking COVID-19 infections and advising faculty, staff, and students on health precautions for the disease.  Ms. Graham-Glover is board certified in epidemiology and infection control and a fellow of the Association of Professionals in Infection Control.

Dr. Rev. Alvin Hathaway Union Baptist Church The Rev. Dr. Alvin C. Hathaway, Sr. has served as pastor of Baltimore’s historic Union Baptist Church since 2004. Reverend Hathaway is a leader in the faith community, and has been involved in the civil rights movement since the 1960’s, working for urban justice, youth career development, and promoting equitable community health. Reverend Hathaway serves on a number of Boards of Directors, including the University of Maryland Medical  Center, The Greater Baltimore Committee, Downtown Partnership of Baltimore, and the Family League. He is the author of several publications, including  “Children’s Mental Health: Partnering with the Faith Community,” “Reaching Out to School and Community Stakeholders to Improve Mental Health Services for Youth in an Urban US Community,” and "Enhancing Child and Adolescent Resilience Through Faith-Community Connections." Reverend Hathaway earned a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion from the North Carolina College of Theology and a Doctor of Ministry degree from the United Theological Seminary. Dr. Hathaway was recently inducted into the 2021 Class of The Sunpapers Business and Civic Hall of Fame.